What Is the Most Approved Disability?
The Social Security Administration reported that close to 10 million people received benefits in 2020. This valuable program is a lifeline for those who have done their fair share of contributing to society and need a helping hand, but it does have limitations on who can receive the benefit.
Moving through the process is made far easier with the help of SSI lawyers familiar with both federal and state Social Security particulars, like the Law Offices of Terri D. Mason, but this quick primer will give you an overview to start.
Do You Need to Be Completely Disabled for Social Security Insurance?
The social security program’s federal guidelines for disability insurance require that applicants have no ability to work for at least 12 months. Each type of disability has a working definition that guides the approval process. Maryland follows the federal guidelines for eligibility and definitions of approved diagnosis.
That means the condition itself does not have to be permanent or fully disabling, but it does have to eliminate the ability to work for a sizable amount of time and fall within the specific guidelines for that type of condition. This is different from social security insurance, which has incentive programs that actually encourage working.
The benefits can also be claimed by spouses of deceased partners or parents who are caring for adult children that are still disabled. Stipulations to those claims may apply, and there is still an approval process that needs to be completed.
Which Type of Disability Is the Most Common in Social Security Disability Insurance Claims?
Arthritis, the inflammation of joints and muscles leading to movement loss and pain, is the most common social security disability. Musculoskeletal conditions in general are the most common types of disabilities approved, accounting for 33.8% of all approved diagnoses in the 2020 report.
That breakdown changes when looking at specific demographics. For example, adult children receiving benefits have a plurality of intellectual disorder diagnoses at 44.9%, although the disorders account for just 8.8% of all approved diagnoses.
For those 50 or older, musculoskeletal diseases have a significant increase to 38.8% of approved claims, and that number has been climbing steadily for the past 15 years from a low of 25.9% in 1996. This stands to reason since the most common condition worsens with age.
Which Type of Disability Is the Most Common in Maryland?
Maryland had 48,287 approved musculoskeletal and connective tissue claims in 2020. That’s closer to 25% of the population, a lower ratio than in the stats overall, but it’s still the highest by a wide margin. The next highest category had less than half as many with 18,374 claims for nervous system and sensory issues.
Which Types of Disability Are Most Likely to Be Approved in a Social Security Disability Claim?
The prevalence of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions in approved social security disability claims does not mean that they are necessarily the most likely to be approved.
A more limited list of severely disabling conditions will be automatically approved as long as a doctor provides a diagnosis. Cancers that are especially dangerous receive a fast track to approval, as does amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Notably, an ALS diagnosis also provides a benefit to the speed that benefits will begin to arrive.
Begin Your Social Security Claim
The process of approval for a social security disability claim can take months or years. Payments start at least six months after the start date of the claim in most cases, and any delays will drag that out further. Even with back pay, that is a time where bills are going unpaid and needs aren’t being met.
You deserve to benefit from the society that we’ve built as Americans, especially when you are going through a tough time. Those looking for social security disability lawyers in Maryland have the Law Offices of Terri D. Mason as a valuable resource in the social security application process. We can help you assess the likelihood of approval and review the paperwork and evidentiary requirements to ensure you have supplied everything needed for a smoother application. Contact us as soon as possible to get started on your claim and maximize your benefits.
For those reading in other states, contact a reputable social security disability lawyer who knows your state’s particulars with the same level of urgency.