Are There Any Conditions That Automatically Exclude Me From Obtaining Social Security Disability Benefits?

While there is no list of medical conditions that automatically excludes an individual from obtaining Social Security disability benefits, the eligibility criteria may have the effect of excluding certain illnesses and injuries.

In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, your condition has to be severe enough that you can’t do any work, and it has to be expected to last for at least one year or result in death. This definition necessarily excludes:

Temporary disabilities. Broken bones that will heal in a matter of weeks or months, for example, will not make you eligible for Social Security disability benefits.
Minor illnesses. The flu, a cold, or an infection that has you out of work for several weeks or even months can have a significant impact on your family’s finances, but a minor illness will not qualify you for Social Security disability benefits.

For other conditions, if you can prove that you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits, you can recover such benefits. For the best chance at obtaining benefits for your disability, you need to make sure that your application is complete and filed according to the guidelines established by the Social Security Administration. An experienced Social Security disability attorney can help with that—making sure your application contains the right medical evidence and details how your disability affects your daily life and ability to work.

Are you ready to learn more? Download your free copy of our helpful guide, Social Security Disability: What You Need to Know, or start an online chat with us at any time of the day or night.