Disability Benefits: Protection against the Unexpected
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 29, 2016
Disability is unpredictable and can happen to any person, at any age. Millions of Americans live with disabilities that are the result of a sudden traumatic event or onset of a serious medical condition.
Social Security disability benefits protect you against the unexpected. When you know about the services we provide, you’ll make better decisions when life throws you a curve.
Our disability program provides financial support to disabled individuals and their families in times of need. If you think you have a qualifying disability, don’t wait, apply right away.
Social Security pays disability benefits to people with a severe medical condition expected to last at least one year or result in death. This condition must prevent you from performing substantial work. Social Security does not give benefits to people with partial disability or short-term disability, like veteran’s benefits and workers’ compensation do. You must also meet the earnings requirement for disability benefits.
When you apply for disability, we will need medical and other information from you. We can help you get this information together. You can also have a representative help you gather and submit this information. This representative may be an attorney or other qualified person.
You can get more information about applying for our disability programs at our website. If you click on “Apply for Benefits,” you can then follow a link to get a Disability Starter Kit. This kit will help you get ready for your disability interview or online application.
Once you have your information together, you can apply for disability benefits online. Knowing this information can help you make the best decision for you and your family, if life throws the unexpected at you.
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Tags: Disability, representative payee, Social Security benefits
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Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
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david h.
i have been disabled since 2013. i have lawyer as well. i have worked for 25 years for yes i admit the wrong jobs for my family. now its time for me to ask my government to keep me from making hasty decisions. i need the help of MY government to help ME. where are YOU!!
Kathey R.
I have money taken out of my SSD for money owed I want to know when I will get my full benefits back.
R.F.
Unfortunately, and because of security reasons we do not have access to personal records in this blog and cannot answer your question at this time. One of our representatives should be able to provide you with an explanation. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later in the week. Thanks.
ernest p.
went to ss office in my area 5-15-18 wanting to know if my wife qualified for disability benifits. the agent said that because she is 67yrs.age .she does not qualifie .my wife got a life changing event. she got diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other complications.lost her job .has been in and out of hospital since january 2018 I guess people over age 67 don’t get disable or have life changing events.
Joshua B.
It’s great to have this system, but why the hell can’t I get benefits from a system I paid into? I had brain surgery in 2016, had to appeal and go to court, everyone in the courtroom agreed (including the vocational expert hired by the government) that my condition was significantly debilitating and limited my job options essentially to zero because of that, and was just denied, citing doctors I’ve never even heard of and making claims that directly contradict the statements made in court both by myself and by government-assigned agents.
Why can the government lie about my case? Why am I being denied a benefit that I paid for when I need it? Why does someone with moderate back pain get benefits, but someone like myself, who has hemiparesis, nerve damage, and requires still more surgery to even have a chance at regaining things like full function of my hands is denied?
William
Can I recieve Social Security Retirement and Disability
isela h.
will my disability benefits discontinue when my husband recieves his social security benefits?
R.F.
If you’re receiving “regular” Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) your benefits will not be affected. On the other hand, if you’re receiving disability benefits under the Supplemental Security Income or SSI program, your husband’s Social Security benefits may affect the amount of your SSI benefit. This is because the amount of SSI benefit is based, in part, on the income and resources available to the individual receiving SSI benefits and the income and resources of his or her spouse.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents for further assistance. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!
Maria
All of my medical records was turned in and I was told I had to wait a couple of weeks to get a medical update before approval while my disability is listed in the blue book why the extra two weeks?
isquarefoot
Protection Against the UnexpectedThe IPERS Plan provides important protection for members and their families when a member is injured or becomes ill.
GIOVANNI R.
THESE ARE DIRTY CHECKS, RUINED MY LIFE.
michael b.
Hi, I was granted social security disability because of bi-lateral shoulder injuries, bi-lateral carpel tunnel, and a heart problem in December 2012. I was 59 years old at the time. I need help around the house. Is my wife able to collect any ssa money since I can’t work and need help? my age is 62 she is 57.
R.F.
Hi Michael, your wife may be able to get spouse’s benefits on your record, when she is at least 62 years of age and as long as you are receiving retirement or disability benefits. You may be eligible to receive additional assistance from the state where you live. These services include Medicaid, free meals, housekeeping help, transportation or help with other problems. You can get information about services in your area from your state or local social services office. You can also visit the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) web page for more information. We hope this information helps.
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