Knowing how the Social Security Administration (SSA) decides who qualifies for disability can prove extremely beneficial for anyone submitting a claim. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as just proving you’re unable to work due to an injury. In order for a disability claim to be approved, there are five requirements needed, each overseen by an examiner, the Disability Determination Services (DDS) department, and a medical team. 1. Are you still working? The SSA first looks at an individual’s current employment. If the person is still working, regardless of the disability’s role, and earns a certain amount on a monthly basis, their claim will get rejected. The current amount is $1,310 per month or $1,820 if you’re blind. If you make more than these amounts, your claim will not be approved. 2. Is your disability considered severe by the SSA? While “severe” can be a scary word, the SSA’s definition is much more tame. Essentially, if the disability hinders sight, hearing, speaking, walking, or just about any other interaction you can think of, then it is considered severe. 3. Is your disability on the SSA’s lists? The SSA has lists of conditions that it considers disabling. This step simply boils down to whether your disability meets one of the conditions on the list. If your specific condition is not listed, the DDS will look to see if it is comparable to another disabling condition that is on the list. 4. Can you perform the same work as before? The DDS will then look to see how much the disability actually interferes with your daily work. If it believes you can still function in the same role, it will deny your claim. 5. Can you do any other work? The last thing that the DDS will evaluate is whether you can perform any other type of work. It looks at factors such as age, physical condition, skills, and work experience to determine if you could switch jobs and continue working. If the DDS finds that you meet this criteria, it could deny your claim. Meeting each of these steps still does not guarantee an approved claim. Many people have been rejected even though they meet every bit of criteria. Though the burden of proof shifts to the SSA, it still helps to have an experienced Social Security lawyer by your side. If you need help filing your SSDI or SSI claim, Hartwig Law Firm can answer your questions at (508) 732-8989. The Social Security Administration’s 5-Step Evaluation Process Ensuring Your Disability Claim Is Approved
ONE-PAN APPLE CIDER CHICKEN
Bring the taste of fall into your kitchen with this sizzling skillet meal.
INGREDIENTS
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1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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2 tsp Dijon mustard 4 tsp olive oil, divided 3 sweet apples, cut into 1/2-inch slices 2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped, plus more for garnish
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1 tsp salt, divided
1/2 tsp black pepper, divided 1/2 cup apple cider
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DIRECTIONS
1. Sprinkle chicken with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Set aside. 2. In a small bowl, combine apple cider and mustard. Set aside. 3. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tsp olive oil. When shimmering, add chicken thighs top-side down. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for 4 more minutes. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil. Wipe the skillet clean. 4. Heat the remaining oil in the skillet, then add sliced apples, remaining salt and pepper, and rosemary. Cook for 5 minutes. 5. Return the chicken to the skillet and add apple cider- mustard mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, then serve sprinkled with rosemary!
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