Understanding Social Security Disability and Stroke

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you need to prove that you have a condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, or is expected to result in death. A stroke, especially if it leads to significant neurological impairments, can meet the SSA's definition of disability.

A stroke can cause a range of complications, including:

• Paralysis or loss of muscle function on one side of the body
• Speech and language problems
• Cognitive difficulties such as memory loss or difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Vision problems
• Chronic pain or fatigue

If these symptoms severely limit your ability to work, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.

SSA’s Listing of Impairments for Stroke

The SSA has a Listing of Impairments, which is a collection of medical conditions that are considered severe enough to potentially qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Strokes and their aftereffects can be evaluated under this list, specifically under Neurological Disorders.

The relevant SSA listings for stroke are typically found in the Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) section. This is the category that evaluates the severity of a stroke and its residual effects. The SSA looks at the following factors:

• Severity of your impairments: The SSA will evaluate how much your stroke has impaired your ability to function and perform work-related tasks.
• Residual functional capacity (RFC): After a stroke, you may have long-term impairments, and the SSA will assess how these impairments limit your ability to engage in work or daily activities.
• Duration of your symptoms: To qualify for Social Security Disability, your stroke symptoms must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.

In general, for your claim to be approved under the stroke listings, the SSA will look for at least one of the following:

• Significant limitation in physical functioning such as the ability to move limbs or maintain balance.
• Severe cognitive or speech impairments that affect your ability to understand or express yourself.
• Severe limitations in your ability to perform daily activities or engage in any work.

If your stroke has caused significant impairments that prevent you from working, your condition may meet the SSA’s criteria.

Meeting the SSA’s Criteria for Disability

In order to get Social Security Disability for a stroke, you must meet certain criteria. The SSA follows a five-step evaluation process to determine whether you are disabled. Here’s an overview of the steps:

• Are you working?
  If you are working and earning above the SSA’s Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold, you will not qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. In 2025, the SGA threshold is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals. If you are earning less than this amount and have medical documentation proving your disability, you may move on to the next step.

• Is your condition severe?
  The SSA will assess whether your stroke or its aftereffects are severe enough to interfere with basic work activities. If you have difficulty walking, using your hands, concentrating, or other symptoms that significantly limit your functioning, the SSA may find your condition severe.

• Does your condition match a listed impairment?
  If your stroke and its effects meet or equal the criteria listed in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, you will automatically qualify for benefits. This is often the case if your stroke has caused severe impairments that affect your mobility, cognition, speech, or daily activities.

• Can you perform any past work?
  If your condition doesn’t meet the SSA’s listing but is still severe, the SSA will evaluate whether you can return to any of your previous jobs. If you are unable to perform your past work due to the limitations caused by your stroke, the process moves to the next step.

• Can you do any other kind of work?
  The SSA will determine if you are able to adjust to other types of work, based on your age, education, skills, and the severity of your limitations. If your stroke makes it impossible for you to do any other type of work, you may qualify for benefits.

How to Strengthen Your Claim for Disability Due to a Stroke

To increase your chances of getting approved for Social Security Disability after a stroke, you need to provide as much supporting medical evidence as possible. Here’s what you should include:

• Detailed medical records: This includes records from your hospital stay, doctor visits, imaging tests (such as CT scans or MRIs), and any therapies you have undergone.
• Treating physician’s statement: A statement from your treating physician explaining how the stroke has affected your ability to work and perform daily tasks can strengthen your case. This should include details about your physical and cognitive limitations.
• Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form: This form, completed by your doctor, outlines the physical and mental tasks you can or cannot perform due to your stroke. It is one of the most important pieces of medical evidence in a disability claim.
• Functional limitations: Provide a description of how the stroke has affected your ability to perform everyday activities, such as walking, eating, dressing, and bathing.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

If your claim for Social Security Disability benefits is denied, don't give up hope. It’s common for claims to be denied initially, but you can appeal the decision. Here’s what you can do:

• Request Reconsideration: If your claim is denied, you can ask the SSA to review the decision again. This is the first step in the appeals process.
• Request a Hearing: If your reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is your opportunity to present additional evidence and argue your case in person.
• Submit new medical evidence: If your medical condition has worsened since the original claim, or if you have additional records, submit them during the appeal process.