Living with a serious health condition can make working feel impossible. If your condition keeps you from holding a job, you may be able to get help through disability benefits. In Los Angeles, many people apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to cover their basic needs when they can’t work.
This guide explains what conditions may qualify, what the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks for, and how to move forward with a claim.
What Counts as a Disability?
To get benefits, your condition must meet the SSA’s definition of a disability. This means:
- You cannot work or earn enough money to support yourself
- Your condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
The SSA uses a list of medical conditions called the “Blue Book” to help decide who qualifies. But even if your condition isn’t listed, you may still get approved if your symptoms are serious enough.
The Five Key Questions the SSA Asks
When you apply for SSDI or SSI, the SSA uses five questions to decide if you qualify:
- Are you currently working?
- Are you earning more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit?
- Is your condition considered severe and long-term?
- Does your condition match one listed in the SSA’s Blue Book?
- Can you do any past work, or adjust to a different type of work?
If the answers show that your condition truly stops you from working, you’re more likely to be approved.
Conditions Listed in the SSA’s Blue Book
The SSA’s Blue Book covers a wide range of health problems that could keep someone from working. Here are the main categories and some examples:
Musculoskeletal System
- Severe arthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Major joint dysfunction
- Spinal disorders
- Amputation
Neurological Disorders
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Epilepsy
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Cardiovascular System
- Congestive heart failure
- Coronary artery disease
- Congenital heart defects
- Chronic heart rhythm problems
Respiratory Disorders
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Pulmonary fibrosis
- Severe asthma
Mental Disorders
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Autism spectrum disorder
Immune System Disorders
- Lupus
- HIV/AIDS
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Digestive and Genitourinary Disorders
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Crohn’s disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- End-stage renal disease requiring dialysis
Cancer
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Leukemia
- Any cancer that is inoperable or has spread
Endocrine and Blood Disorders
- Diabetes with serious complications
- Thyroid disorders
- Chronic anemia
- Hemophilia
Vision and Hearing Loss
- Blindness in both eyes
- Severe hearing loss that affects communication
This list isn’t everything, but it shows the kinds of serious conditions that might qualify. You’ll need strong medical records that show how your condition affects your daily life.
Fast-Tracking the Approval Process
In some cases, you may not have to wait months for a decision. The SSA has special programs to speed things up:
Presumptive Disability
If your condition is very serious, like late-stage cancer or total blindness, you may receive temporary benefits while your application is being reviewed. These usually last up to six months.
Compassionate Allowances
Over 250 conditions automatically qualify for faster review. These include rare cancers, brain disorders, and childhood illnesses. If your condition is on the Compassionate Allowance list, your case may be approved quickly.
Terminal Illnesses
If you have a terminal illness, your application will be moved to the front of the line. The SSA tries to approve these claims as fast as possible.
Other Disability Benefit Options
Aside from SSDI and SSI, there are other ways to receive help if you can’t work due to a disability:
- Workers’ Compensation: Covers job-related injuries or illnesses
- Veterans Disability Benefits: For veterans whose disability is linked to military service
- Private Long-Term Disability Insurance: Offered through some jobs or purchased privately
- State Disability Insurance (SDI): Not available in California, but exists in other states
Each program has its own rules and process. Some people qualify for more than one.
Steps to Apply for Disability Benefits
Filing a disability claim can be stressful, but breaking it down step-by-step can help:
- Decide whether SSDI, SSI, or both apply to you
- Gather your medical records, doctor’s notes, and test results
- Ask your doctor to fill out a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form
- Collect financial documents like pay stubs or tax returns
- Submit your application online, by mail, or in person
- If you’re denied, file an appeal right away
Many people get denied the first time but later win benefits through the appeals process. It’s common, so don’t give up if it happens to you.
What Conditions Automatically Qualify?
While no condition is 100% guaranteed to be approved, some make the process easier. These include:
- ALS
- Pancreatic cancer
- Severe Down syndrome
- End-stage kidney disease
- Advanced liver disease
- Certain aggressive cancers
If your condition is on the Compassionate Allowance list or is very severe, your chances of approval increase. But the SSA still needs proof that your symptoms prevent you from working.
Get Legal Help
Going through a disability can affect every part of your life. If you live in Los Angeles and can’t work due to a serious medical condition, applying for SSDI or SSI might help you get the support you need. Make sure your medical records clearly show how your condition limits your ability to work.
If you need help filing your claim or appealing a denial, don’t try to do it alone. Call (323) 954-1800 to speak with our workers’ comp lawyers who can walk you through the process and help you build a strong case.