Spend some time around the Social Security Disability world and you will quickly understand that it does not reflect reality.
The way Social Security decides if you are disabled seems foreign in many ways.
The initial focus is on your medical problems, but the real issue for the Administrative Law Judge is the limitations you have as a result of your medical conditions.
Such as how long can you stand and sit, how far can you walk, how much can you lift, how often can you reach, and how often can you handle and finger items.
Another big area for review is what kind of work can you do.
The basis for determining what work is available and the job requirements is the Dictionary of Occupational Titles.
This is a publication that is over 30 years old and was last updated some 22 years ago.
You think job processes have changed in the last 22 years?
How is that for reality?
The Vocational consultants who testify at hearings about the DOT and jobs are people who deal with the Social Security Judges on a regular basis, and understand the Judges biases and leanings.
The Judges do not take into account the economic climate, the medications you need to take while working, or how much money you will make.
The reality is that if you apply for a job in this economy and are in your 40’s and up and have a serious medical condition then there is little to no chance you will be hired.
Social Security does not take any of these factors into account. The only thing that matters to them is your ability to perform a job. Not whether you cannot drive to work, or there are no jobs in your region, or whether you used to make $20 an hour and now can only make $8.25 an hour.
It is important to understand the rules and how to use them to your advantage.
Questions about your Social Security Disability case? Feel free to contact Illinois Social Security Disability Attorney Dirk May at 309-827-4371.