Can I receive Social Security Disability after Hip Replacement Surgery?
Yes you could! The SSA requires that you demonstrate a few things when applying for SSDI AKA Social Security Disability Insurance benefits after hip replacement surgery. These include showing that you are unable to walk effectively and will not be able to walk effectively for at least a year. Walking effectively means the following:
You don’t need a cane, walker, or crutches to get around.
You can walk a block on an uneven surface at a reasonable speed.
You can climb down a flight of stairs using only one handrail at a reasonable speed.
You don’t need help traveling to and from work.
You can walk extended distances on your own at a reasonable speed, such as through the grocery store or on your usual errands.
If you can show that you cannot walk effectively, then you could be approved for social security disability benefits. However, even if you cannot meet the criteria above, SSA provides an alternative. This alternative is called the Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) form, which allows you to show the specific ways your injury has limited your ability to work. This should include how you are limited in doing sedentary work as well as manual labor.