If you have joint pain in Michigan, you may think that this automatically allows you to qualify for benefits through SSDI. This is usually not the case, though, and we at Adler Stilman, PLLC, know that it is beneficial for you to understand when your joint pain can qualify for disability benefits.
Joint pain is typically not enough to receive SSDI benefits. You usually must demonstrate that your joint pain is a disability which has interfered in your daily life. Sometimes you may need to show that your fine motor skills have been affected by joint pain or that you have encountered difficulties walking. While the Social Security Administration does not list specific causes of joint pain, it does offer indications about the severity of your symptoms. Your joint pain generally needs to be accompanied by stiffness, limited motion or deformity. You are usually more likely to qualify for SSDI if your condition meets the requirements of the SSA.
There are many ways you can apply for disability benefits. According to the Social Security Administration, you can typically apply over the phone or online. If you are unsure about whether or not your joint pain qualifies for benefits, you may want to peruse an information kit which can answer some of your questions about the required information and documents. It is recommended that you apply for disability benefits when you realize that you are unable to work because of your joint pain.
When you apply for disability benefits, you typically need to show that your disability is medically documented. This means that you cannot file a claim because you have had severe joint pain. Instead, you generally must show X-rays and other images which show how your joints have been affected by a degenerative condition. More information about SSDI eligibility and application processes is available on our webpage.
