If you have filed a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may have heard of a “listing.” The Social Security Listing of Impairments lists conditions that are considered severe enough by Social Security to prevent individuals from engaging in gainful activity.
Most of the listed impairments are either permanent disabilities or are conditions expected to end in death. Some listings also include a specific duration requirement, but for all listings, the evidence must show that the condition has lasted – or can be expected to last – at least twelve continuous months.
Part A of the Listings outlines medical criteria that apply to the evaluation of impairments for adults. Part A medical criteria can also be applied to minor children cases if the disease processes are similar in adults and young children.
Part B of the Listing of Impairments outlines medical criteria that apply only to the evaluation of children’s claims.
In evaluating applications, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses the “listings” at one step in the multi-step sequential evaluation process. If you have submitted a claim and you have a condition that meets the criteria in the listing (or is equal in severity), that will typically lead to a finding of “disabled.” However, if you do not meet or equal a listing, the SSA adjudicator will move onto the next step in the sequential process and apply other rules to determine disability.
If you are disabled and unable to work, contact a local attorney today to help you through the process and determine whether you meet a Social Security listing.