What conditions automatically qualify you for disability? If you are disabled from an illness or injury and can no longer work, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits in Illinois. To determine what conditions automatically qualify you for disability, talk to a Social Security disability lawyer who knows the Social Security Administration’s disability guidelines, filing requirements, and timelines.
If you have a disability, Ankin Law Social Security disability lawyers in Chicago can help you with claims and benefits. Call us today at 872-529-9377.
Top 10 Conditions That Qualify for Disability in Illinois
According to the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Annual Report in 2018, disability benefits were paid to approximately 10 million people, with 87% of awards paid to disabled workers. The largest category of diagnoses was diseases of the musculoskeletal system (33.2%). In December 2018, payments to disabled beneficiaries totaled almost $11.6 billion.
The law defines a disability as the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determined physical or mental impairment. This impairment must be expected to last for at least 12 continuous months or result in death. The list of permanent disabilities approved by the SSA includes Part A disabilities for adults and Part B disabilities for children (under the age of 18). Both lists include the top 10 conditions that qualify for disability.
1. Musculoskeletal System
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders are at the top of the list. They account for about 30 % of yearly Social Security disability benefits. These disorders affect bones, cartilage, ligaments, and other connective tissues in the body that help to maintain movements such as walking, running, standing, sitting, bending, lifting, and reaching. Common musculoskeletal system disorders include arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, degenerative disc disease, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, and spine disorders.
2. Cardiovascular System
Cardiovascular disorders affect the proper functioning of the heart or circulatory system including arteries, capillaries, lymphatic drainage, and veins. The condition can be congenital or acquired, often resulting in long-term disabilities or death. Common cardiovascular system disorders include aneurysm of the aorta or major branches, chronic venous insufficiency, chronic heart failure, ischemic heart disease, heart transplant, peripheral arterial disease, and recurrent arrhythmia.
3. Digestive System
Digestive disorders often result in dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas. They can cause damage to major internal organs and impact the body’s ability to release enzymes and hormones that allow the digestion of food. Common digestive system disorders include chronic liver disease, gastrointestinal hemorrhaging, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal failure, liver, pancreas, and small intestine transplants, and extreme weight loss.
4. Respiratory System
Respiratory disorders often lead to the obstruction of airflow in the lungs, which can create breathing problems in both adults and children. Symptoms include chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and rapid breathing. In some cases, cancers of the respiratory system develop. Common respiratory system disorders include asthma, bronchitis, chronic respiratory disorders, chronic pulmonary hypertension, cystic fibrosis, lung transplant, and respiratory failure.
5. Endocrine System
Endocrine disorders cause hormonal imbalances within the body by producing too much (hyperfunction) or too little (hypofunction) of specific hormones. These imbalances can cause various complications, especially in the major glands of the endocrine system. Common endocrine system disorders include diabetes mellitus (type 1 and 2 diabetes), diabetic ketoacidosis (a life-threatening condition), chronic hyperglycemia, and hypoglycemia.
6. Immune System
Immune disorders are caused by dysfunctional immune responses within the body that trigger dysfunction in organs and tissues. This can cause inflammation and infections, fever, malaise, musculoskeletal pain, involuntary weight loss, and fatigue. Common immune system disorders include connective tissue disease, inflammatory arthritis, polymyositis, systemic lupus, systemic sclerosis and vasculitis, Sjogren’s Syndrome, and human immunodeficiency infections (HIV).
7. Neurological System
Neurological disorders can cause disorganization of motor function, bulbar and neuromuscular dysfunction, communication impairments, and a combination of limitations in both physical and mental functions. Common neurological system disorders include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, benign brain tumors, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, myasthenia gravis, peripheral neuropathy, early-onset Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.
8. Senses and Speech System
Senses and speech disorders can cause visual and speech problems that affect everyday normal activities. Visual disorders in the optic nerve or the brain can impact the ability to distinguish details or read. A loss of visual fields can limit the ability of peripheral vision. Common senses and speech disorders include loss of visual efficiency, contraction of visual fields, and loss of speech.
9. Congenital Disorders
Congenital disorders are usually inherited and can affect multiple body systems. Also referred to as intellectual disabilities, congenital disorders often begin before the age of 18 and impact learning, reasoning, problem-solving skills, and adaptive behavior. Common congenital disorders include developmental delays, Down syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, fragile X syndrome, Tay-Sachs disease, and Prader-Willi syndrome.
10. Mental Disorders
The SSA list of permanent disabilities for mental disorders contains 11 different categories. Common mental disorders include autism spectrum disorder, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, depressive and bipolar disorders, eating disorders, neurocognitive disorders, personality and impulse-control disorders, schizophrenia, somatic symptom disorders, and trauma and stress-related disorders.
How Does the Process of Applying for Disability in Illinois Work?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two programs that provide disability benefits. Each program has strict guidelines that address the requirements for disability approval and payment of disability benefits. To get approved, it’s essential to understand what conditions automatically qualify you for disability.
SSDI Benefits
Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) is available to workers and their family members, if the worker has a credible work history, has accumulated sufficient work credits, and has paid Social Security taxes. SSDI benefits are financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and self-employed individuals.
If SSDI benefits are approved, they are payable to disabled or blind workers under 65 years of age, the worker’s spouse or widower, the worker’s children, and adults who have been disabled since childhood. The amount of monthly disability benefits is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker. Once disability benefits are paid for two years, the worker will automatically get Medicare coverage.
In Illinois, there are no age restrictions for applying for SSDI benefits, but age may impact other factors in the application process. Older applicants may be able to apply for early retirement benefits if they meet the eligibility requirements for both programs.
SSI Benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is based on a person’s financial needs rather than a person’s work history, income, and accumulated work credits. SSI benefits are available to low-income individuals who have a prior work history or who have no work history at all. If SSI benefits are approved, they are payable to adults who are 65 years old or older, disabled or blind adults, and disabled or blind children. The monthly benefit payment varies up to the maximum federal benefit rate. In most states, beneficiaries are also automatically eligible for Medicaid.
How a Disability Lawyer Can Help
Social Security disability claims can be complicated because the SSA requires specific information and timely claims. Social Security disability lawyers know SSA requirements and what conditions automatically qualify you for disability.
Filing Your Application
When you file your application for SSDI benefits, the SSA requires specific information. Required information includes:
- Your personal information
· Your work history and work credits
· Start and end dates of your disability
· Medical records that support your disability
- Proof that you can’t perform gainful employment
Your application and all requested information must be filed and received by the SSA within a specified time frame. Your lawyer can help you gather the required information and documents and file your claim for benefits on time. If you are missing information or file your claim late, your claim for benefits may be denied.
Improvement in Your Medical Condition
If your application is approved and you are awarded SSDI benefits, what happens if your medical condition improves? If your medical condition improves, and you can return to work, your SSDI benefits will likely be discontinued. Your lawyer can work with the SSA on reporting requirements and disability reviews that impact your benefits.
Getting SSDI Back Pay
In Illinois, an attorney can help with obtaining SSDI back pay if you meet all requirements. Your attorney can make sure you receive back pay to cover disability payments held up during the approval process. He can also ensure that the lump sum payment is deposited directly into your bank account.
Hiring an experienced Social Security disability lawyer will ensure the best possible outcome when filing for Social Security disability benefits. Don’t assume you’re eligible for benefits. Rely on a lawyer who can make sure you get them.
If you’re in Illinois and need SSDI benefits, contact us for a free case review. Our Social Security disability lawyers can help you get your claim and benefits approved.
