You may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits if a physical or mental condition prevents you from earning a substantial income. However, it’s not enough to simply say you can’t work because you’re in pain or struggling. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires clear, detailed evidence that your limitations prevent you from earning above a certain monthly amount.
You’ll need to demonstrate how your condition makes it difficult to perform basic tasks, such as concentrating, following instructions, sitting or standing for extended periods or managing physical tasks for hours at a time. Here’s how you can show your inability to work and build a strong SSD claim.
Keep detailed medical records
The SSA heavily relies on medical evidence to determine whether your condition truly prevents you from working. As such, it’s essential to have formal records that outline your diagnosis, symptoms and how your limitations affect your ability to function in a work setting.
Ensure your medical history reflects not only your current state but also how your condition has progressed over time. Regular doctor visits, consistent treatment and following your provider’s recommendations can help reinforce the seriousness of your situation.
Describe your daily challenges clearly
Go beyond the diagnosis by explaining how your condition affects your daily life. Can you cook for yourself? Can you focus long enough to complete a simple task? Do you need help getting dressed, walking or remembering things? Such details can help paint a clearer picture of why sustaining any meaningful work has become unmanageable.
Third-party accounts can also help
Statements from people who know you well, such as family, friends or former coworkers, can support your claim. They can describe noticeable changes they’ve observed in you, such as increased fatigue, a decline in mobility or how your mood or memory has changed. This can make your claim more relatable and convincing.
Similarly, a vocational expert’s opinion can go a long way in showing how your condition affects your ability to perform any kind of job, not just the one you used to have.
Don’t go it alone
SSD rules are complex and quite demanding. A seemingly minor oversight, like a missing detail or vague explanation, can lead to unnecessary delays or even a denial. Having qualified legal assistance early in the application process can help you build a well-documented claim that gives you a better chance of being approved.