Certain people in Maryland are unable to work, due to an illness, injury or disorder that prevents them from functioning in a traditional capacity. These people may need assistance from Social Security in order to provide for themselves and their families. It can be confusing for those attempting to apply for benefits, particularly with regard to what specific conditions can be covered by Social Security Disability. There are certain Social Security Administration guidelines as to what conditions are covered and what evidence a potential recipient needs to show in order to collect.
There are different guidelines for adults and children, though they are very similar. They are divided by function in the body or bodily system. They include -- but are not limited to:
- vision or hearing loss
- musculoskeletal conditions
- respiratory ailments
- neurological conditions
- mental disorders
- cardiovascular disorders
The unifying component is that the specific disorder makes it difficult or impossible for the ailing person to work in a traditional sense. For those who do not see their specific disorder on the list, they may still be able to receive coverage if their medically accepted condition renders them unable to exert themselves or function to a reasonable standard.
Those who are hoping to claim Social Security Disability will have to provide official medical documentation that shows that they have the disabling condition. This can include records of examination by a doctor, an MRI and/or X-rays, a CAT scan and mental health records. The evidence cannot be dated too far in the past and should range from the initial diagnosis to the most current examination or testing that the person has available.
Claims for Social Security Disability can be confusing and leave many people with questions. Maryland families can rest assured that if they meet the requirements, they have every right to file for these benefits. They were designed for the purpose of helping those who need it.