Do You Have Sitting Disability? If Yes, You Can Qualify for Social Security Benefits

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Sitting is considered a basic work activity. Most jobs require a person to sit down to be able to perform work. However, it could be difficult for him or her to maintain it because of a disability. In fact, any medical condition that drastically creates an impact on the person’s ability to maintain a sitting position even for a short period is called a “sitting disability.”

Incidentally, if you are a worker and you cannot do the requirements of your work because you can’t sit down for long stretches, then you may be qualified for Social Security benefits. To become eligible for benefits, your disability must prevent you from doing substantial work for at least a year.

You may either be qualified for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, your impairment should also either meet or equal one of the medical conditions mentioned in the Listing of Impairments. If it does, then your claim will be automatically approved.

While sitting disabilities don’t usually meet or equal a disability listing, you may still be qualified for disability benefits if you have enough medical proof that would support your claim that your condition significantly impacts your capability to do work activities.

In this regard, you must obtain your treating physician’s opinion by having him or her prepare a residual functional capacity (RFC) classification for your disability and its relation to your work-related activities.

If your RFC is classified as sedentary, you’re still able to perform your former job, therefore denying your claim. However, you can still be qualified for benefits even if you are still capable of performing a sedentary job. One way is to show that you have other impairments as a result of your inability to sit down for longer periods of time, such as having depression or anxiety.

Looking at it, winning a sitting disability claim can be really hard on your part. However, seeking the expertise of any of the Los Angeles Social Security disability lawyers in your area would really help increase your chances of an approval.

Can Alcoholics Apply for SSDI Benefits?

Can alcoholics apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits? The answer depends on the disability the alcoholic is applying for.

If the alcoholic is applying for benefits due to his or her alcoholism, he or she cannot be entitled to the benefits. However, if he or she is applying for benefits due to a different disability other than being alcoholic.

Alcoholics need not to apply but…

Since 1996, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has not welcomed people applying for SSDI benefits due to alcoholism. According to SSA, alcoholism per se is not considered a serious medical condition but the conditions alcoholism cause may be considered serious illnesses. Hence, alcoholics who are suffering from serious illnesses due to their excessive alcohol intake can apply and be entitled for SSDI benefits.

Applying for SSDI in Los Angeles

Los Angeles citizens who are suffering from alcoholism-caused disability can file for Los Angeles social security disability benefits. However, they must remember that applying for disability benefits is not easy due to the complex and lengthy processes they need to go through. Hence, it is advisable for disability benefits claimants to ask for assistance from a disability attorney who can guide them throughout the application process.

People intending to apply should remember some important key points before formally submitting their application with the SSA, and these are:

Keep all medical records and documents – Applicants should secure and keep all medical documents that prove their disability; otherwise, they cannot be granted with benefits.

Follow medical treatment schedule – The SSA is very particular with applicants’ medical treatment; hence, if the applicant fails to have his or her disability treated or rehabilitated, chances are, his or her application will be turned down.

Hire a legal representative – If your disability makes it difficult or impossible for you to process your application, then you should hire a legal representative who can do it on your behalf.