Medical Vocational Allowance, What is it?
Definition of a Medical Vocational Allowance
The two main programs offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Both have different eligibility requirements, but a disability from the official Listing of Impairments is required for both.
A Medical Vocational Allowance, or Med-Voc, can be given to those who do not fit into the specific and rigid parameters of these conditions yet experience various physical and mental conditions closely related to one of the listed disabilities.
You may qualify for a medical-vocational allowance if you cannot earn a living income through sustaining work. We can help!
How an SSI Application is Denied
When you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits to the Social Security Administration, your claim is sent to a state government agency called Disability Determination Services (DDS). The DDS will decide whether your disability qualifies for SSDI or SSI benefits.
The DDS will request your medical records from the sources you listed on your application. After receiving your medical records, the DDS will evaluate them and look up your condition in their list of impairments (often referred to as the “Blue Book”). This blue book lists many disabilities and symptoms that a claimant must have to be considered disabled and eligible for SSDI or SSI benefits.
If a claimant has a disability that is not listed in the blue book, or if the disability is listed but the claimant does not show signs of all required symptoms, then the application for disability is often denied.
How to Receive a Medical Vocational Allowance
The DDS examiner might decide that even though your disability does not meet the requirements of a disability listed in the Blue Book, you still have a severe disability that will prevent you from working and engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
If this is the case, you meet Medical-Vocational Guidelines, and the DDS examiner can give you a “Medical-Vocational Allowance” and approve your claim.
Medical-Vocational Guidelines
The DDS only evaluates an applicant on Medical-Vocational guidelines after determining ineligibility for SSDI or SSI. To qualify for Med-Voc, you must fulfill the following:
- Is not performing a substantial gainful activity (SGA)
- Has a severe impairment
- Does not meet a listed impairment from the Blue Book
- Cannot perform past work
How to Reapply for SSI
If your application for SSDI or SSI was denied, don’t give up. Over 70% of disability applications are denied. You can win your case in the appeal process when your claim is presented to an Administrative Law Judge.
The chances of winning your claim and receiving the benefits you need are much higher when a qualified disability attorney represents you. Click here to schedule a free consultation with an experienced disability attorney in Southern California.