Conditions and Disability Benefits Readiness
Many different physical and mental health conditions may affect a person's ability to work. This page helps you think about the types of medical, work, and daily limitation information that may be useful to organize before applying, appealing, or speaking with a professional.
Important: This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Social Security Administration. This page is for informational preparation only and is not legal advice. It does not guarantee eligibility, approval, or benefits.
Common Condition Categories
The categories below are provided to help you think about what information may be useful to organize. This is not a list of conditions that do or do not qualify for benefits. SSA may review many factors beyond the condition name.
Back, Neck, and Spine Conditions
Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, and related conditions.
Consider gathering diagnosis information, treatment history, medications, test results, doctor visits, and examples of how symptoms affect work or daily activities.
Arthritis and Joint Problems
Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, lupus-related joint involvement, and similar conditions.
Consider gathering diagnosis information, treatment history, medications, test results, doctor visits, and examples of how symptoms affect work or daily activities.
Heart and Circulation Conditions
Coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, peripheral vascular disease, and related conditions.
Consider gathering diagnosis information, treatment history, medications, test results, doctor visits, and examples of how symptoms affect work or daily activities.
Breathing Conditions
COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, sleep apnea, and other respiratory conditions.
Consider gathering diagnosis information, treatment history, medications, test results, doctor visits, and examples of how symptoms affect work or daily activities.
Diabetes and Neuropathy
Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, diabetic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, and related complications.
Consider gathering diagnosis information, treatment history, medications, test results, doctor visits, and examples of how symptoms affect work or daily activities.
Cancer and Treatment Effects
Active cancer diagnoses and the lasting effects of chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery on function.
Consider gathering diagnosis information, treatment history, medications, test results, doctor visits, and examples of how symptoms affect work or daily activities.
Stroke or Neurological Conditions
Stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, and related conditions.
Consider gathering diagnosis information, treatment history, medications, test results, doctor visits, and examples of how symptoms affect work or daily activities.
Mental Health Conditions
Major depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and related conditions.
Consider gathering diagnosis information, treatment history, medications, test results, doctor visits, and examples of how symptoms affect work or daily activities.
Chronic Pain or Fatigue-Related Conditions
Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and similar conditions.
Consider gathering diagnosis information, treatment history, medications, test results, doctor visits, and examples of how symptoms affect work or daily activities.
Other Long-Term Medical Conditions
Any other condition that has lasted or is expected to last, and that affects the ability to work.
Consider gathering diagnosis information, treatment history, medications, test results, doctor visits, and examples of how symptoms affect work or daily activities.
What Matters More Than the Condition Name
The name of a condition is only one part of readiness preparation. It may also be useful to organize how long the condition has lasted, what treatment you receive, what records exist, and how symptoms affect work-related activities. SSA may review the severity and duration of limitations, not just the diagnosis. Organizing this information in advance may be helpful when applying, appealing, or speaking with an advocate or representative.
Condition-Specific Preparation Guides
These guides give examples of records, symptoms, treatment, and limitations that may be useful to organize.
Helpful Situation Guides
These pages may help when your next step depends on work status, records, denial status, or limitation type.
Documentation Checklist
Consider gathering the following types of information as part of your readiness preparation:
- Doctors, clinics, hospitals, and specialists
- Recent treatment dates
- Test results
- Medication list and side effects
- Assistive devices
- Work limitations
- Daily activity limitations
- Denial or appeal notices, if applicable
Ready to Organize Your Information?
The free readiness screening may help you think through what information you have and what may be useful to gather before applying, appealing, or speaking with a professional.
Start Free Readiness Screening