If an individual has two limbs amputated or one leg amputated at the hip, chances will be higher to obtain Social Security Disability benefits sooner rather than later and could be granted a presumptive disability right. There is a possibility for Social Security to approve someone for six months worth of presumptive disability checks if they are either missing two limbs or a leg from the hip down. Even if someone qualifies for presumptive disability, they can still be found totally disabled and eligible to continue receiving benefits.
According to Social Security a person can be found disabled automatically if their amputation meets specific criteria set forth in Social Security’s official listing for amputations. Social Security does not take into account how you lost a limb, whether through an accident or diabetes. A person needs to meet one of the following criteria: amputation of both hands; amputation of one or both legs at or above the ankle; must not be able to walk effectively (“ineffective walking” generally means that you need to use both your hands for handling assistive devices, such as a walker, two canes or crutches, or a wheelchair); amputation of one hand and one leg at or above the ankle; amputation of one leg up to the hip (hip disarticulation), or pelvic amputation (hemipelvectomy).
Of course there are many amputations that do not fit the criteria listed above. If you have an amputation that prevents you from working, such as an amputation of your dominant hand, you may still be eligible for disability benefits, even if your amputation does not exactly fit the listing criteria. If your work-related activities are limited because of your amputation, Social Security will assess your “residual functional capacity,” or “RFC.” Social Security will look at whether or not you can walk effectively on an artificial leg and whether you are capable of sedentary activities. If you have lower limb amputation, you may also be restricted in what kinds of surfaces you can safely walk on, as well as have restrictions around crawling, kneeling, climbing, bending at the knees, and activities that require good balance. For upper limb amputations, Social Security will look at your ability to grasp things, fine motor movements, typing and writing abilities, and your ability to lift objects. The RFC assessment is used by Social Security to determine what kind of work you are still capable of doing despite the limitations from your amputation.
