Houston Social Security Disability Law Blog

When people think of illness and their job, people usually think of getting ill and having to take a day or two off work. This could be economically problematic depending on if an employee has sick leave. But what if an employee has a chronic condition that makes it impossible for them to work for an extended period?

Fibromyalgia is one example of a chronic condition that negatively impacts the ability of many people to work. People with fibromyalgia may experience chronic fatigue, restless sleep, pain in various parts of the body, numbness in the feet or hands, impaired cognitive functioning and other issues. These symptoms can make it difficult or even impossible to work. If a worker's fibromyalgia prevents them from working for at least 12 months, then the worker may want to apply for Social Security disability benefits for illness.

If you are unable to work because of your disability, you will need to take action in order to claim disability benefits in Texas. Doing so will help you to support yourself and your family financially. However, many people have reservations when filing for disability. This is often because of things they have been told by others about the process.

If you are concerned about filing for disability benefits because you believe you will be unsuccessful, or perhaps because you think you may be judged, it is important to address these beliefs. The following are some of the misconceptions that disabled people have when considering filing for disability benefits.

Many people in Houston who suffer from a serious illness or injury are uncertain if they are eligible for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits. They may understand that total disability is a prerequisite for receiving such benefits, but they may have only a vague idea of how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines that term. Fortunately, the SSA has adopted regulations that provide a precise and comprehensive definition.

As defined by the SSA, "disability" means the inability to engage in "substantial gainful activity." That definition may not seem to provide much clarity, but the SSA has tied the definition to specified amounts of money that equal substantial gainful activity. The SSA has set two income levels to define substantial gainful activity, one level for people who are blind and one for people who are not blind. The specific amount has changed from year to year depending upon changes in the national average wage index.

As people age, their hearing often deteriorates. This problem is exacerbated by the many loud noises that people experience at work and in their daily lives, especially in a large city such as Houston. If hearing loss becomes severe, it can interfere with a person's ability to perform the duties of a job or fulfill social functions. The Social Security Administration has set guidelines for awarding disability benefits to those who have lost a significant portion of their hearing capacity.

An applicant for Social Security disability benefits based on hearing loss must first show that the hearing deficit has lasted for or is expected to last for at least 12 months. The hearing loss must also be shown to prevent a person from performing job duties in their current occupation or in any other occupation.