California residents who have had a heart attack could be eligible for disability benefits. However, this depends on the severity of the heart attack and whether it leaves the person unable to engage in substantial work activity. If the applicant is unable to work, they must either be out of work for 12 months or expect to be out of work for at least that long.
Furthermore, an individual must be unable to perform any type of work that they are qualified for. This determination will be based on previous jobs held as well as taking a look at jobs a person could be qualified for based on age, skills and education. As technology advances, more and more people are surviving heart attacks and enjoying fuller recoveries.
This does not mean that an application for benefits will not be accepted. It simply means that an applicant will need to show evidence that the event had a profound impact on their ability to function on a regular basis. Undergoing a stress test with a result of less than 6 metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs) could be a strong sign that a person faces a significant impairment after a heart attack.
A person who has heart disease or any other ailment that doesn’t allow them to work may obtain financial compensation from the government. An attorney could help a client file an application or go through the appeals process. If an applicant is approved for benefits, they may still work and make money at a rate below what would be considered gainful activity.
