There are many different types of injuries and illnesses that will qualify a claimant for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. In some cases, it is a single medical condition, and in others it is a combination of two or more medical conditions that can be used to obtain an award of benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

According to a recent article from MSN, government auditors have determined hundreds of residents of Puerto Rico have qualified for Social Security disability benefits because they were not fluent in English. SSA regulations allow people in the United States to qualify for disability benefits if they do not speak proficient English. This is because without knowledge of English, SSA considers these individuals to be less employable, and this will allow them to qualify for a disability, regardless of their level of education or work experience.

However, the inspector general for the SSA is questioning this policy with respect to Puerto Rico. Though it is a United States territory, Spanish is the primary language there. A recent independent report stated it would be advisable to consider local conditions when determining benefits qualifications. United States Census Bureau records show 95 percent of the residents of Puerto Rico older than five years of age speak Spanish when at home, and 84 percent of residents state they do not speak English very well.

SOURCE: Massachusetts Social Security Disability Lawyers Blog – Read entire story here.

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