Houston Social Security Disability Lawyer: How SSA Will Evaluate Your Disability Application

Your SSDI application will be evaluated on the basis of very specific criteria established by the Social Security Administration. A Houston Social Security lawyer will be most beneficial at the appeals level, but keep in mind that the most basic requirement for approval is that your disability prevents you from being able to work for a period of at least 12 months.

1. You are not engaging in "substantial gainful activity" (SGA); and

2. You have a "severe" medically determinable impairment; and

3. Your impairment meets or "equals" one of the impairments described in the Social Security regulations known as the "Listing of Impairments;" or

4. Considering your "residual functional capacity" (RFC), you are unable to do your "past relevant work" (PRW); and

5. You cannot make an adjustment to other work that exists in significant numbers, considering your RFC, age, education, and work experience.

Residual function relates to your remaining ability to engage in work. Substantial gainful activity refers essentially to the work, itself. Note that SSA specifies that you not be engaged in “substantial gainful activity” rather than simply say you are not working. The distinction is important; if you need clarification, speak with a Houston Social Security lawyer.

Other Requirements

Along with meeting the criteria above, in order to be eligible for one of the disability programs you must have paid into Social Security long enough to qualify (work quarters). SSI applicants also must meet certain income and asset requirements.

For Legal Assistance

If you are disabled to the extent that you cannot work for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI. Call Houston Social Security lawyer Dana Speer for a consultation today at 713-857-2123.

Dana Speer

713-857-2123 Direct Line
877-373-5105 Direct Fax