Sometimes, those who suffer from disabling injuries don’t have the option of working a different job. For example, someone who has worked in a factory for many years and who has no other practical skills may find it difficult to work a desk job in another industry.
This is something that has to be taken into consideration when the Social Security Administration is looking at an application for Social Security Disability benefits. If an individual used to work but now would have difficulty finding employment to support themselves, then they may be able to qualify for disability benefits as a result.
What are some examples of people who may no longer be able to work?
Consider a 64-year-old woman who has been working a desk job but now has vision issues. She finds it difficult to see, and combined with her age and lack of manual skills, cannot figure out how to make an income. The SSA should take this lack of substantial gainful activity into consideration when she makes a claim for visual impairment.
Another example could be a man who has debilitating back pain after years of manual labor. He may not even have his high school diploma, making it difficult to get a job of any kind outside of his industry. After working for decades in his current industry, he is no longer able to do the physical work and would find it extremely difficult to manage a new position with limited skills. The SSA should review this case carefully to see if vocational training would be possible but may find that disability benefits should continue since he is unable to be retrained in another field.
If you can’t work another job after an injury, disability benefits may be the right choice
It’s reasonable to seek Social Security Disability Insurance benefits if you have been injured and want to make sure you can get compensation. If you cannot return to work, you will need the benefits to help support yourself. You paid into this system over the years, so it’s important to know if it can help repay you for your efforts.