The Social Security disability program is not an alternative unemployment program of benefits. The fact that an individual cannot find a job in a weak economy is not relevant to a disability determination. The fact that there is high unemployment with no job vacancies is not relevant to a disability determination. The fact that the claimant would not likely be hired if he or she applied for work is not relevant.
Moreover, any factor that is not related to the claimant’s disability is not relevant. For example, the inability to afford gas or transportation to the job site is not an issue for Social Security to consider. The need to care for a terminal family member is not an issue for Social Security to consider. The need to pick one’s children up from school every day is not a factor for Social Security to consider. These are not valid reasons to qualify for disability. You must prove your condition keeps you from working, regardless as to whether there are such jobs in your immediate area, and regardless as to whether a specific job vacancy exists.