Sacramento Social Security Disability Legal Blog

People in California who are unable to work because of their disabilities may apply for Social Security Disability benefits. However, in order for people to receive benefits, they must be assessed as having significant limitations that prevent them from engaging in work activities. The Social Security Administration determines if an applicant is sufficiently disabled to receive benefit by evaluating his or her current condition as well as work histories. A disability examiner - or, later, an administrative law judge - will give the applicant a residual functional capacity rating.

These ratings can apply to both mental and physical capacities. However, it is important for applicants for SSD benefits to show that they cannot support themselves by gainfully working. Therefore, people who are still working for a salary and make above the SSA's monthly earnings limit will receive a denial of their claims, even if they have significant disabilities. When a case is denied for this reason, the applicant's level of disability is never assessed. The 2019 monthly earnings limit is $1220.00 gross income before taxes, but it can change as a result of inflation.

Some California residents with hearing impairments may wonder if they qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. There is some information about hearing problems included in the Social Security Administration's blue book for assessing disability eligibility, but it may indicate little about whether a particular claimant is eligible for benefits. When a claim is made for disability benefits based on hearing loss or impairment, there are several criteria that the agency may use to determine whether a particular applicant is eligible.

Audiometric testing is an important part of the disability claims process for people with hearing loss. Audiometry is used to test a person's hearing levels as well as his or her ability to differentiate speech, sound and pitch. This is one of the most important elements used to reach a decision. A claimant may present a report from an audiologist or the disability examiner reviewing the claim will organize a consultative examination.

You can't return to your job. The injury you suffered left you with a permanent disability that means you will never work again. In many ways, it feels like the end, and you're scrambling around trying to figure out what next steps to take. You still have a long life ahead of you and you must know how to make ends meet.

That's when you learn about Social Security Disability benefits. You decide to apply, hoping they can help to cover the necessary costs you face.

Multiple sclerosis affects many people in California. This neurological disease has no cure, and the symptoms typically worsen over time. Eventually, a person with MS will experience debilitating symptoms that interfere with motor function, mental function and vision as well as extreme fatigue. The Social Security Administration specifically recognizes MS as a disabling disease for the purposes of granting disability benefits as long as an applicant meets explicit criteria. Because of the progressive nature of the disease, a person might fall short of meeting enough requirements, but the medical vocational allowance offers a chance to collect benefits if the person can no longer work for a living.

When a disability examiner evaluates an application from a person with a medically documented diagnosis of MS, they must consider multiple factors before approving a medical vocational allowance. The applicant's age, education, remaining physical and mental functions, work experience and ability to transfer skills to different jobs will influence the decision.