Cerebral Palsy and Social Security Disability Benefits

Illinois Lawyer for Social Security Disability Application

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a group of nervous system disorders that effect motor function. The disease involves damage to the motor control centers of the brain from either pregnancy or up to the age of three. It is important to note that the condition is not contagious or progressive and is typically diagnosed at birth. There is no known cure for the condition. If you suffer from Cerebral Palsy and are unable to work due to its debilitating effects, feel free to fill out our online no obligation, free consultation form. You may qualify for Cerebral Palsy disability benefits (whether SSDI or SSI).

Can I Get Social Security Disability Benefits If I Have Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral Palsy is absolutely recognized by the Social Security Administration! If the effects of Cerebral Palsy prevent you from earning more than SGA for at least 12 months, you may qualify for Cerebral Palsy disability benefits. When you apply for disability benefits with Cerebral Palsy, the Social Security Administration will first determine whether your condition is severe enough to meet a listing. If you meet a listing, fantastic, you will be found disabled! If you do not meet a listing, the Social Security Administration will then evaluate your residual functional capacity (the most work that you can do despite your medical condition(s)) and then determine whether your entitled to disability benefits.

Is There A Specific Cerebral Palsy Listing?

The Social Security Administration recognizes Cerebral Palsy under Listing of Impairments 11.07: Cerebral palsy. Listing 11.07 can be found on the SSA website. However, because most of the listing is structured using medical terminology, it can be quite difficult to determine whether you will meet the cerebral palsy disability benefits listing. If you or a family member suffers from cerebral palsy and are unable to work and want to know more about whether you might qualify for Social Security disability benefits (either SSDI or SSI), contact Pearson Disability Law, LLC today for a free consultation at 312-999-0999.

If I Do Not Meet The Listing, Is There Another Way To get Social Security Disability Benefits?

Yes! If you do not meet Listing 11.07 and the effects of cerebral palsy are preventing you from working, you may still qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

The Social Security Administration will proceed with your case by evaluating your Residual Functional Capacity. To do this, the Administration will determine the most amount of work that you can do despite your limitations. They do this by dividing “work” into four different categories: heavy, medium, light, and sedentary. It is worth noting that there is sometimes a fifth category that is recognized for very heavy work; however, very heavy work is scarcely used. Whether a claimant wins his or her Cerebral Palsy disability claim is greatly affected by which category he or she is ultimately put into. Being put into a lower category increases the likelihood that a claim is approved for Social Security disability benefits.