Disability pension is a social security program that provides financial assistance to those who cannot work due to a disability. To qualify for disability pension, an individual must meet certain eligibility criteria established by law.

One of the key eligibility factors is the impact of health on an individual’s ability to work. In this article, we will explore how health factors influence disability pension eligibility.

Medical Examination

The first step in determining disability pension eligibility is a medical examination. The physician’s report is an essential component of the application process.

The physician assesses the applicant’s physical and mental abilities and limitations. The report details a broad range of information about the applicant’s health, including any illnesses, injuries, mental health conditions, and impairments. It also contains information about the severity and longevity of the conditions.

Severity of the Condition

Disability pension eligibility is contingent on the severity of the applicant’s medical condition. A condition that hinders the ability to engage in substantial work activities is regarded as severe.

Conditions that are not severe or do not limit the individual’s ability to work do not qualify for disability pension. The medical examination report is scrutinized, and the severity of the condition can determine the approval or denial of the application for disability pension.

Duration of the Condition

A medical condition’s duration is an essential factor in determining disability pension eligibility. To qualify, an applicant’s health condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

The physician’s report must include an assessment of the applicant’s condition’s duration, or the expected duration based on medical knowledge. In cases where a condition is chronic, degenerative, or progressive, a medical diagnosis may be made based on the expected progression of the condition over time.

Limitations for Work

A third factor considered in evaluating disability pension eligibility is whether the individual’s health condition creates limitations for work.

For example, an applicant with a severe medical condition that limits standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods may face challenges engaging in gainful employment. Similarly, an individual with a mental health condition that creates difficulties in concentrating, remembering information, or socializing may also qualify.

Job Skills and Work History

Disability pension eligibility also depends on the individual’s job skills and work history. Disability pension is designed to help individuals who cannot engage in work due to a health condition.

An applicant’s job skills are evaluated to determine whether there are any other jobs that they can perform. If the applicant can perform other jobs, then he or she may not qualify for disability pension.

Similarly, work history is reviewed to establish whether the condition existed before the individual stopped working, which may impact the application’s approval.

Age as a Consideration

Age is also an essential factor in evaluating disability pension eligibility. For younger individuals, the bar is higher to qualify for disability pension.

Applicants under the age of 50 must demonstrate they cannot perform any job in the national economy, while those age 50-54 must show an inability to perform their previous job. Applicants who reach age 55 or older, however, face a less stringent disability standard.

The criteria for individuals aged 55 or older to qualify for disability pension are relaxed, with the focus on limitations that reduce the individual’s ability to do unskilled work.

Working with an Attorney

Disability pension is often a challenging and stressful process. It can be beneficial to work with an attorney who can help navigate the application process, optimize the strength of your case, and represent you in any disputes.

An attorney’s knowledge of the application process, medical evidence, and evaluation criteria can improve the likelihood of a successful application.

Conclusion

Health factors play a central role in determining disability pension eligibility. Three key factors that affect eligibility are the severity and duration of the medical condition and limitations in the applicant’s ability to engage in work.

Other factors, such as job skills, work history, and age, may also influence eligibility. In all cases, it is advisable to work with an attorney with experience handling disability pension cases for optimal results.