Disability Claim. Impact of Literacy and Your Eductation

Literacy, Education, and Your Disability Claim

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Social Security considers more than just your physical and/or mental impairments in determining whether a claimant is disabled. They consider a person's age, education, and work experience. Often I meet clients who have graduated high school or completed a GED, but still have trouble with reading and basic math.

State and school policies have varied over the years, and functionally illiterate people might still end up being considered educated by Social Security. This is not a problem with Social Security, but rather, the structure and process of the public school system. Some people who were in mostly remedial or special education still have high school diplomas, and others simply forget these skills over the years.

Trouble reading, especially with claimants who have only done heavier work or who are over the age of 50, can be absolutely essential to a Disability claim. Literacy issues can be resolved a number of ways, including school records, testing, and simply questioning during the hearing. Unfortunately, many people are ashamed of illiteracy and hide it, even from their attorney and the judge. Do not make this mistake.

Trying to Get Social Security Benefits?