If You Have a Disability, Social Security Can Help
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: October 8, 2015
October is Disability Awareness Month. For Social Security, disability is always at the forefront of our conversations. We hear stories daily about Americans living with disabling conditions who need help from the system they contributed to during their working life. Their stories make us proud of the work we do.
Through our Faces and Facts of Disability website, we share the stories about what it means to receive disability benefits from Social Security. The site highlights some of the people who benefit from our programs. We believe that learning the facts and hearing peoples’ stories about disability allows for a better understanding of what’s perhaps the most misunderstood Social Security program.
The Social Security Act sets a very strict definition of disability. Social Security pays benefits to insured people who can’t work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. The impairment must be so severe that it renders the person unable to perform not only his or her previous work, but also any other substantial work.
Social Security doesn’t provide temporary or partial disability benefits. Because the eligibility requirements are so strict, our disability beneficiaries are among the most severely impaired people in the country. Our new online resources, the state disability fact sheets and our national disability issue paper, provide specific information about our recipients’ demographics by state and congressional district. These resources are proof of Social Security’s economic impact and benefit to our most vulnerable citizens.
Disability is something we don’t like to think about, or we may think it can’t happen to us. But the odds of becoming disabled are greater than we realize. The Social Security disability program excels in providing services to people when they need it the most.
For us, disability has faces and names — among them Larry, Kiera, Ebbie, Charlotte, Jamie, and Christine. We want to invite you to come see their faces, and learn the facts. They are truly at the heart of what we do.
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Tags: Disability, SSA
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Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
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Christina D.
My niece that I have custody of has been diagnosed with major depression with severe reoccurrence, severe anxiety, ADHD and panic attacks that come on 3 or 4 times a week. Her depression and Social Anxiety is so bad she is unable to go to school so she has a homebound teacher coming in twice a week to work with her. Is she able to get disability for this?
R.F.
Thank you for your question Christina. We pay disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security disability insurance program (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a needs based disability program that pays benefits to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. Blind or disabled children may also get SSI. If a person thinks that he or she meets our definition of disability, we encourage them to apply for disability benefits when they become disabled.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Or contact your local Social Security office directly. We hope this information helps.
Adrian M.
In 1999, I was deathly ill and requested respite from Kent County DHS and was denied the help because I refused to voluntarily sign documents to place my children into foster care. DHHS used my physical health problems—and the fact I could not work to take my children. THEY CALL ME BEING ILL NEGLIGENCE and that’s discrimination. Why is that allowed? I finally got approved for SSI in Arkansas in 2015, moved back to Michigan June, 2015 and was declared no longer disabled by the DHHS medical review team. I have one child in my custody and I had her to prove that I love my children and that I’m a good parent. Michigan HAS NEVER APPROVED ME FOR SSI!
Adrian M.
My name is Adrian Lewis and I have been disabled for years with chronic physical conditions, some of which I was born with and I suffer from mental health(post-traumatic stress syndrome, depression, mood disorder issues brought on by trauma and pure hell. I didn’t ask to be sick and I have done EVERYTHING in my power to get better so I can feel better. I have lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan since I was 18 and I’m 46 now.
Dolores
Hello! My disability started last August 2016. My disability ran out and I am new to all this SS stuff. I have been waiting for my work to find me a new job that can accommodate my disability.
I orginial denied the offer of possibly receiving the SSI payments (failed job interview). My situation has changed and I really could use the SSI thing. Is that a possibility? And what should I do next?
R.F.
Hi Dolores. In your situation, it is best to contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our representatives. Representatives at our toll-free number are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!
Scott R.
I’ve worked full time for 36 years. I worked through the pain of osteoarthritis until I needed a total hip replacement. I will require another as well. I will also need knee surgery. I was laid off work and I’ve spent my entire retirement. I have been denied SSDI twice and I cannot find a job that I can physically perform. I ask why after 36 years of hard work and paying my taxes I can’t get help. Work was my life and now it appears to be gone. I keep working now to get a job I can perform and the state has helped me as best as they can. I just don’t understand why I have to live this way in America.
Kim
I had a upper lobe to my long removed. I had a carcinoid tumor, stage 1. I’ve lost tremendous airway to my lungs . Every Time I try to talk I lose air and start coughing. Walking is also challenging. I now have numbness in my fingers to my left hand which is due to nerve damage from the lung surgery. Is there any way this would qualify for social security disability ?
Patricia
I retired early after 30 years as a mental health nurse to care fort my mom and dad. When I turned 62 I signed up and started drawing my social security. I have been diagnosed over 5 years ago with an auto immune disorder that manifests in, rheumatoid arthritis, hasimotod, gerd. My full retirement age is 67 . Can I reply for social security disability.
R.F.
Hi Patricia. We are sorry to hear about your medical situation. You can apply for Disability Benefits before you reach your full retirement age. Disability payments are established at the highest rate possible, meaning you could get a higher monthly benefit amount. We can continue paying your retirement benefits while we consider your application and wait for a medical decision. In addition to meeting our definition of disability, you must have worked long enough–and recently enough–under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits. For more information and to see if you should apply for disability benefits, we urge you to contact your local office or call us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and ask one of our representatives to assist you. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. We hope this information helps you.
christina f.
hi i just got approved for ssi, but i don’t understand why i don’t get ssdi , i have worked all my life ,and there is a big difference in money , so please let me know thank you
R.F.
Thank you for your question Christina! When it comes to qualifying for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI program, you must be “currently insured” or have worked long enough —and— recently enough—under Social Security. Credits are the “building blocks” we use to find out whether you have the minimum amount of covered work to qualify for each type of Social Security benefits. See Insured Status Requirements for more information.
If you have specific questions about your situation, please call our toll free number, 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Thanks!
Clifford J.
I am new to this got a infection in my leg’s in 2010 been in wheel chair every since just wan’t to live a normal life. lost my right leg in feb, of this year. tired of being stuck at the house all the time but i manage need some way to get around. not used to not being able to go fishing or just go out in the wood’s every know and then. I’am not going to give up until I’am gone. just wish i knew how to get help getting the thing’s i need if anyone can help me please let me know I don’t like begging so thank’s.
R.F.
Individuals may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which they 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 or welfare office. Or you can visit the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) web page for more information. We hope this information helps!
Michele C.
My husband is on disability & had been receiving a check each month. He was granted $750 (rounded figure) a month, which he started out. After a few months into his checks, he started receiving $100 less. We went to our bank & the lady said that Social Security must have taken out for health ins. He’s on my insurance through my company. This was taken out WITHOUT permission from my husband. Lady @ the bank stated that he should be reimbursed. (happened to her mother & she got reimbursed) She counted it up and it came to $1,500, that should be due him. At SS, he was told, w/ attitude, that he wouldn’t get reimbursed because “it had been used”. We’re thinking about getting a lawyer! How can it be used when payments were coming from my insurance for his medical visits?
R.F.
Thank you for your comment Michele. Individuals are automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B after they receive disability benefits for 24 months. They are properly notified and because individuals must pay a premium for Part B coverage, they do have the option of turning it down. A beneficiary may refuse Medicare Part B, during his or her Initial Enrollment Period, if that beneficiary or the spouse, actively works and has coverage under a group health plan based on that employment, then he or she doesn’t need Medicare part B until the work activity ends or that health care coverage is dropped. However, we always suggest that individuals speak to their personnel office, health benefits advisor, or health plan representative to see what’s best for them, and to prevent any penalties or delayed enrollment in the future. Based on the information you provide, your husband should consider disenrollment from Medicare Part B. For specific questions, your husband should call us at 1-800-772-1213, M-F between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and ask a representative to assist him, or contact the local office directly. To learn more about the Medicare enrollment periods visit http://www.Medicare.gov.