Most SSDI recipients need to have worked recently, usually any 5 of the past 10 years. If you have worked intermittently, but have earned income within the past couple of years, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.

What conditions automatically get you disability?

A mere diagnosis will get you an automatic disability approval for only a few conditions, however, like ALS, an organ transplant, or certain serious cancers, such as esophageal cancer, mucosal melanoma, anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid gland, or small-cell carcinoma (of the prostate, ovaries, breast, lungs, pleura.

How can I get SSI disability fast?

Social Security has a program called TERI that allows the agency to expedite applications when the applicant has claimed a terminal illness or a condition that is usually terminal. If you have a terminal illness, make sure you submit your medical records with your initial application to speed up the process.

Who determines if I am disabled?

All Initial and Reconsideration filings are reviewed by Disability Examiners. Disability Examiners work for state agencies collectively referred to as Disability Determination Services (DDS). These examiners must determine the medical eligibility of disability claimants.

What to do if you become disabled and in employment?

If you’re in employment and become disabled. Your employer cannot discriminate against you because of your disability – you’re protected by the Equality Act 2010. They must also keep your job open for you and cannot put pressure on you to resign just because you’ve become disabled.

When do you qualify for Social Security disability?

We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if all of the following are true: You cannot do work that you did before because of your medical condition. You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition. Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

Can a disabled person be dismissed from a job?

Your employer cannot dismiss you just because you’ve become disabled. You can be dismissed if your disability means you cannot do your job even with reasonable adjustments. You cannot be selected for redundancy just because you’re disabled.

Can a disabled person be selected for redundancy?

You cannot be selected for redundancy just because you’re disabled. For advice about work issues, talk to ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service), Citizens Advice or your trade union representative.