If your cerebral palsy symptoms don’t match a listed impairment, you may still qualify for SSDI based on your limitations and restrictions.
Social Security will conduct a Residual Functional Capacity assessment to evaluate how your disability affects your ability to perform your old job or if there is any other job you are able to perform, taking into account whether or not you are able to drive, your age, and level of education. For example, you may be restricted from work that requires lifting, reaching, typing, writing, or grabbing. If you have difficulty walking or keeping your balance, you may be limited to sedentary jobs. If Social Security decides you cannot do your old job or don’t have the skills to perform a new job, you may be approved for a Medical-Vocational Allowance.
You may also be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits if you have another medical condition.
All people with CP experience problems with movement and posture, but others are also impacted by other conditions such as seizures, limited vision or hearing, changes in the spine or intellectual disorders. One disorder alone may not meet the criteria of an impairment as stated in Social Security’s Blue Book, but if you have more than one medical condition, Social Security must consider how those health issues combined limit your ability to hold a job and perform necessary daily tasks.
Filing a claim for disability benefits and getting approval can be a long, complicated process.
Most initial applications are denied, but you may appeal and evidence shows that your chances for approval are increased significantly if you have legal representation. At each potential stage of the process, from the initial application stage to the reconsideration stage and the ALJ hearing stage, an attorney can assist you in completing the detailed forms and questionnaires required by Social Security, collecting and submitting relevant medical evidence, and preparing questionnaires for your doctors. At the ALJ hearing phase an attorney will not only continue to assure that the evidence is complete, but prepare you for questioning by the ALJ, prepare an argument on your behalf and question any doctors or vocational experts selected by the ALJ to testify at the hearing. At the Appeals Council and federal court level, a lawyer can present legal arguments to show your case was wrongfully denied. Fees charged by disability attorneys are regulated by federal law and are usually 25% of disability backpay you are owed. There are no out-of-pocket costs, and if you don’t win your case, you won’t be charged anything.
