Originally published: September 13, 2011 -- Updated: December 6, 2021

UPDATE: Below, we look at the requirements that a person will need to meet to demonstrate that symptoms related to hypogammaglobulinemia fall into a category that Social Security considers to be a disabling medical condition. However, it is important to understand that even if a person does not meet the specific criteria detailed in Social Security’s Listing of Impairments, they may still be able to qualify for disability benefits by providing evidence of total disability.

Social Security uses a five-step process to evaluate a disability claim, and the third step in this process involves determining whether a person’s condition is included in the Listing of Impairments or is equivalent to a condition in this listing. If a person’s condition does not meet the criteria in the Listing of Impairments, the fourth step of the evaluation process will look at whether a person can perform work they have done in the past, and the fifth step will look at whether they can perform other types of work that would allow them to maintain enough income to support themselves.

Injuries, illnesses, and other health issues can affect people in many different ways. While some people can continue working and supporting themselves while dealing with these issues, others may experience disabilities that make it impossible to earn sufficient income. For those who are unable to work, Social Security disability benefits can provide assistance and ensure that they will have the financial resources to provide for their ongoing needs. By understanding how Social Security determines whether a person is disabled, those who plan to apply for disability benefits can make sure they will be eligible for financial assistance.

Eligibility for Disability Benefits

Social Security will only provide benefits in cases where a person has a total disability, and it will not address partial disabilities or short-term disabilities. A condition will only be considered a disability if it has already lasted for at least 12 months, if it is expected to affect a person for one year or more, or if it is expected to result in death. To qualify as a total disability, a condition must cause a person to be unable to do work that they had done previously, and a person must be unable to adjust to other forms of work.

While a person will usually apply for disability benefits if they are unemployed because of their health conditions, they may qualify for benefits if they are working but earn less than the amount that Social Security considers to be substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2022, SGA is defined as an average monthly income of $1,350 or $2,260 for a person who is blind. 

There are many different medical conditions that can affect a person’s health, their ability to work, and their overall quality of life. If a condition is serious enough that it prevents a person from maintaining gainful employment, they may apply for Social Security disability benefits that will provide them with assistance to ensure that they will be able to meet their ongoing needs. People with heart disease may qualify for benefits, but they will need to be sure to provide evidence showing that their condition is severe enough to be considered a disability. By working with an attorney during the process of applying for benefits or appealing the denial of a disability claim, a person can take the correct steps to receive the benefits they need.

Social Security’s Listings for Heart Disease

The Social Security Administration uses a Listing of Impairments to classify different health conditions as disabilities. If a condition meets the requirements of a specific listing, a person will qualify for disability benefits. However, even if a condition is not included in the Listing of Impairments or if a person does not meet the eligibility requirements for a certain condition, they may still be able to receive disability benefits if they can show that the condition has prevented them from participating in work they had done in the past and that they are unable to find other forms of gainful employment due to their medical limitations.

The Listing of Impairments addresses multiple forms of heart disease, including: