Qualifying for Disability Benefits with Paralysis

Does Paralysis Qualify for Disability?

• Section 1.04 – Disorders of the spine
•    Section 11.08 – Spinal cord disorders
•    Section 11.09 – Multiple Sclerosis
•    Section 13.13 – Malignant neoplastic disease (Nervous System – brain and spinal cord)
•    Section 14.02 – Systemic lupus erythematosus

To be eligible for benefits, an applicant must be able to identify the underlying cause of paralysis and provide medical evidence that paralysis prevents them from working for at least one year. The best way to achieve this is to match your medical condition to one of the SSA’s impairment listings.

For example, if your paralysis is caused by a spinal cord disorder (Section 11.08), you must be able to show one of the following to satisfy the requirements of this listing:

• Complete loss of function of any part of the body, such as an arm or leg, as a result of spinal cord injury. (Loss of function can also mean paralysis of the gastrointestinal tract or loss of bladder control).
• Abnormal movement ability in two extremities that is related to a spinal cord injury. For example, one arm and one leg, that causes difficulty in the ability to balance while walking or standing, standing from a seated position, or using the hands and/or arms that is related to a spinal cord problem.
• Evidence of a spinal cord problem that is not severe, but occurring in combination with other serious limitations in 1) understanding, remembering or using information, 2) social interactions, 3) concentration, persisting, maintaining pace, or 4) care of oneself.

How Do I Apply for Disability Benefits?

– Step 1 of 2

Are you currently receiving Social Security benefits? *

• Yes
• No

Do you expect to be out of work for 12 months? *

• Yes
• No

Do you have an attorney already helping you with your case? *

• Yes
• No

Are you currently being treated by a doctor? *

• Yes
• No

Next

Name *

Phone Number *

Date of Birth *

Email *

Zip Code *

Tell Us About Your Disability and How It Affects Your Daily Activities *

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Do I Qualify?