Social Security Disability is a federally funded insurance that pays benefits in the event that a person cannot work because of a disability. Many people who are diagnosed as being morbidly obese cannot fulfill the requirements of a job due to their condition.
Considerations
To be considered disabling by Social Security Administration standards, the health problems that result from morbid obesity must be so severe that they limit the claimant's ability to perform work. Examples of problems can include limited mobility and/or stamina, and the inability to navigate the workplace because of size. Considerations regarding the duration of work history must also be met; this varies according to the person's age at the time of filing a claim.
Five-Step Process
The Social Security Administration uses a five-step process in determining whether the claimant is eligible for benefits. The claimant cannot be currently working in a position that pays over a certain amount, which changes yearly. The morbid obesity must cause a problem that is considered a severe medical condition that must be listed on the Administration's approved roster of impairments.
Ability to Work
The last two steps to qualify for morbid obesity relate to whether the claimant can do the work that he did previously or perform any other type of work. If he cannot do either, the health problems caused by the morbid obesity are probably severe enough to qualify the claimant for disability benefits.
