What if I can't physically do my job anymore?

Asked by: Kavon Roob  |  Last update: November 25, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (8 votes)

If your mental health or physically disabling condition will prevent you from working for at least 12 consecutive months, you should apply for benefits available from the Social Security Administration. Do not wait to apply for benefits, the process can take two years from application to favorable decision.

What if an employee can no longer perform duties?

Reassignment: Reassignment is the reasonable accommodation in some situations. An employer may reassign an employee to an open position if the employee can no longer perform the essential functions of their current job.

What if someone is physically unable to perform their job duties?

Americans With Disabilities Act

The ADA has some requirements regarding employees who are unable to perform their job duties. The law states that an employer must provide reasonable accommodations for a person with a disability unless it causes undue hardship to the employer.

What is the most commonly approved disability?

What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common. In the United States, over 58 million people suffer from arthritis.

Can I quit my job and get disability?

Returning to Work:Typically,short-term disability benefits stop when you are medically cleared to return to work,regardless of whether you actually do. Quitting your job before the doctor's return date could jeopardize your benefits and create legal issues.

This Is The Type of Job You Should Quit | Mel Robbins "Work It Out"

16 related questions found

What illness qualifies for short-term disability?

Common medical conditions that qualify for short-term disability pay may include:
  • Car or other major accident.
  • Rehab from surgery.
  • Severe illness.
  • Medical procedure.
  • Some mental health conditions.
  • Pregnancy/maternity leave*

What is the maximum back pay for disability?

SSD benefits can potentially be received back to the year prior to the application date. This means you will receive a maximum of 12 months of back pay benefits.

What illness automatically qualifies for disability?

Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, benign brain tumors) Mental disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression) Cancer (malignant neoplastic diseases) Immune system disorders (e.g., HIV infection, lupus, inflammatory arthritis)

What gives 100% disability?

Certain single severe injuries or conditions, such as the loss of two limbs or blindness, automatically result in a 100 percent disability rating. However, other injuries and illnesses can be combined to attain a 100 percent rating.

What is the most overlooked disability?

Q: What Is the Most Commonly Overlooked Disability? A: Generally, the most overlooked disabilities are mental health disorders. These include depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, to name a few. They are often overlooked and misunderstood.

What if I physically Cannot do my job anymore?

You are also eligible for disability payouts under your employer's workers compensation insurance, as well as other similar benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Your employer cannot force you to do tasks that are beyond your work restrictions.

What happens if a job can't accommodate you?

If an employer fails to engage in this process or refuses to make reasonable accommodations without valid reasons, the employee may have grounds for a discrimination claim and can seek compensation for lost wages.

What to do if you physically can't work anymore?

If your mental health or physically disabling condition will prevent you from working for at least 12 consecutive months, you should apply for benefits available from the Social Security Administration. Do not wait to apply for benefits, the process can take two years from application to favorable decision.

Can I go back to work if my doctor says no?

If your doctor has cleared you to return to work, you must do so. Otherwise, you may lose your right to receive any workers' compensation benefits you may still be eligible to get. The same holds when the doctor decides you can return to work with light-duty restrictions.

Can I get fired for not being able to lift?

Under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and government code 12940, employers in California are prohibited from discriminating against employees due to disabilities.

Can an employer deny an ADA request?

An employer is required to provide a reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless the employer can show that the accommodation would be an undue hardship -- that is, that it would require significant difficulty or expense.

What is the most disability pay?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – The maximum payment is $4,018 a month (up from $3,822 in 2024). The maximum family benefit for SSDI is about 85% to 150% of the disabled worker's benefit. The maximum payment at full retirement age is $4,018 monthly. However, if you retire at age 62, your benefit is $2,831.

What is the 7% disability?

To promote inclusion of more individuals with disabilities. in apprenticeship programs, the U.S. Department of. Labor (USDOL) has set an aspirational goal that 7% of. a sponsor's apprenticeship workforce consist of. qualified individuals with disabilities.

What automatically approves you for disability?

It includes:
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain.
  • Special Senses and Speech, such as blindness and hearing loss.
  • Respiratory Disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and respiratory failure.
  • Cardiovascular System, such as hypertension and heart disease.

What is the hardest state to get disability?

As of 2024, Utah is the hardest state to initially get approved for SSDI. It has an approval rating of 44.64% for first-time applicants. Who Is Eligible for Maximum Disability? A person who meets the SSA's work history and disability requirements is eligible for the maximum disability amount of $3,822 a month.

What to say and not to say at a disability doctor?

Do not tell the doctor you are “okay,” “fine,” or “pretty good” when you are there for an assessment of your condition. Even saying this out of habit could jeopardize your claim. Be honest about your complaints, symptoms, and other details of your condition.

How much extra money can you make on disability?

During the trial work period, there are no limits on your earnings. During the 36-month extended period of eligibility, you usually can make no more than $1,620 ($2,700 if you are blind) a month in 2025 or your benefits will stop. These amounts are known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).

What is 80% disability pay?

As of 2025, veterans with an 80 percent VA disability rating receive $2,044.89 per month. This is the base rate for veterans without dependents. If you have a spouse or children, the compensation increases based on dependent status.

What is the one-time emergency payment for SSI?

Recent California legislation authorized a one-time supplemental SSP payment in the amount of $600 to SSI/SSP recipients to provide relief from hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Payments in the amount of $600 were automatically mailed out in 2021.