If you have an illness or disability that means that you are unable to work as a result, it is likely that you now have the additional burden of wondering how you are going to make a living while you are struggling with your health.

When you are in a position such as this, it is important to know more about the benefits that are potentially available to you. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are both potential options for you to benefit from. However, in order to successfully qualify for programs such as these, you must first be able to show that you are in fact disabled, which is not as easy as it sounds.

Strict definitions of disability under the Social Security Administration (SSA)

The SSA has a comprehensive definition of disability, and in order to benefit financially from their programs, you must show that you qualify. Your doctor and other medical professionals can play a fundamental role in assisting you in this pursuit, since they have the medical expertise required to assess your situation and make an adequate recommendation.

You firstly must show that your disability has made it so that you can no longer do the work that you used to be able to do. In addition, you must be able to show that you cannot do any other type of work. The disability in question cannot be temporary: It must last at least one year or be expected to result in death.

If you are struggling to qualify for disability benefits, it is vital that you work with your doctor so that they can give you expert advice. A disability attorney can also provide the guidance you need when filing or appealing your claim.