If you sustain injuries in a car accident in Maryland, you may qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. SSDI and SSI may assist you in paying for daily expenses and medical care that you experience because of your car accident injury. However, not all car accident injuries allow you to claim these benefits.
Meeting the disabled definition
In order to qualify for SSD or SSI, your car accident injury must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disabled. The Administration considers you disabled if you meet the following criteria:
- Your injury has lasted at least 12 months.
- Your expect that your injury will be permanent.
- You cannot return to your previous job.
- You cannot train to do less demanding work.
Types of qualifying car accident injuries
Car accidents may cause a variety of mental or physical injuries that qualify you for long-term disability benefits. But certain injuries more commonly result in the type of permanent disability that the Social Security Administration demands. Those injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Loss of hearing or vision
- Back or spinal injuries
- Severe burns
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Whiplash
- Neurological disorders
- Joint injuries
Residual functional capacity (RFC)
One of the main requirements that you must meet in order to qualify for disability benefits involves your RFC. The RFC refers to your ability to handle any type of work. The Social Security Administration will examine your medical records and treatments and determine whether you are capable of heavy, medium, light or sedentary work. If the Administration believes you can return to work, you may appeal their decision.
Fighting for your benefits
Even if you obtain the medical proof of your car accident injuries, you may experience a long battle in order to prove that you qualify. Repeated appeals and hearings frequently play a role in getting disabled individuals the benefits they deserve.