Social Security Online
The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) is dedicated to protecting individuals' economic security through programs including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Disability Benefits
Look here for useful information from the Social Security Administration (SSA) about Social Security Disability benefits and how to apply for them.
Medline Plus: Disabilities
The U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health provide health information and numerous other resources for people with disabilities.
What You Should Know before You Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration answers frequently asked questions about Social Security Disability benefits.
Social Security Treatise
The Legal Information Institute (LII) offers extensive information on Social Security, including the text of the Social Security Act.
Department of Labor Disability Resources
The U.S. government provides a central location for resources for the disabled and their loved ones.
Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD)
The Consortium is a coalition of about 100 U.S. disability organizations striving to protect the rights and empowerment of people with disabilities.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Home Page
The ADA protects most workers from discrimination based on their disabilities.
Your Right to Representation
Social Security Online explains how to work with an attorney or other representative during the Social Security Disability benefits application process.
DISCLAIMER: This site and any information contained herein are intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek competent legal counsel for advice on any legal matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Social Security Administration (SSA) says that a successful applicant for disability benefits must be completely disabled. This is unlike some other programs and insurance policies that assist partially disabled persons. The disability must be a physical or mental impairment that is expected to last at least one year (or has already lasted one year) or will result in the applicant's death. This does not mean, however, that the applicant has to be permanently disabled.
If your application is denied, you may appeal the decision. There are several levels of appeal: reconsideration of your claim; a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ); review by the Appeals Council; and review by the federal district court. You have a limited time in which to file the appeals, however. The advice and assistance of an attorney can help you make a stronger case during the appeals process.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) says that you must not be able to perform "substantial gainful activity," which means the type of activity a person normally does for pay or profit. If your monthly earnings are below a certain amount (which SSA sets every year), however, you will not be considered to be performing substantial gainful activity. If you are receiving disability benefits but wish to try working, you can take part in nine months' worth of a work trial period, during which SSA will not stop your benefits if you are still disabled.
Yes. To receive Social Security Disability benefits, you must have both a disability and a sufficient work history. The required work history depends on your age when your disability began; you must have worked for a certain number of years. Your work also must be recent enough to qualify.
No. Your disability benefit will be based on your earnings history, not the specific nature of your disability.
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs are both run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSDI provides benefits to people who are unable to work because of their disabilities. To be eligible, applicants must have a qualifying work history and be disabled or blind. SSI is a needs-based program. To be eligible for SSI, applicants must have limited income and resources and be aged, disabled or blind.
Benefits typically are paid beginning in the sixth month after the disability started. The application and decision process may take a long time, so it is best to apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled.
Workers' compensation benefits may reduce your Social Security Disability benefits, but you can receive them at the same time. If the total benefits exceed 80 percent of your average current earnings, your Social Security Disability benefit will be reduced.
