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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Myrna l.
My daughter gets out of Ramsey correctional St. Paul needs to get s s back. Can’t drive will take her how where I live in wi. Can you help. Myrna larrabee mom
Rachel C.
I completed an application for my daughter who suffered hypoxic brain injury and do not have the ability to move her hands, arms or legs and they keep telling me they cannot process forms because she did not sign.
I sent all the required documents regarding her injury, letter from her doctor who recommended me getting guardianship over her and they still keep sending the application back for signature.
I feel the Social security administration is being very disrespectful and not looking into the matter as a sensitive situation.
R.F.
We apologize for the delay and inconveniences you are experiencing, Rachel. Federal law requires that in order for us to obtain medical records and other information related to an individual’s medical condition, the individual must properly sign and date disclosure forms that will be used to process his or her Social Security claim. There may be instances when the law provides considerations that allows a parent of a minor disabled child, or a legal guardian for a disabled adult, to provide authorization for the release of that individual’s personal information. We recommend that you contact the office processing your daughter’s claim directly and explain the situation. If you are unable to visit the local office, you can call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks.
Erik C.
I am Erik Coley I was diagnosed of parkinson disease, i had severe calf pain, slurred speech, muscle pain and so many other pains. I was placed on sinemet 3 times daily, it helped me but not very much so our doctor introduced me to Standard Herbs Home with whome i purchased herbal remedy from and now i am parkinson disease free, thanks to Sandard Herbs Home and i made a promise that i will continue to tell the world how your good herbal remedy cured my parkinson disease, if you have similar problem or any type of disease i will advice you to vist Standard Herbs Home Offcial website: www . standardherbshome . com or contact info @ standardherbshome . com
Lisa C.
I was just approved for disability. My date of disability commenced on August 5, 2015. I originally filed in March 2015 and was denied in May 2015. I appealed my case and went before a judge on June 15, 2017. At that point the judge said that I was disabled but changed the date to August 2015 instead March 2015. I received my reward letter and they stated I would be paid disability as of February 2016. My question is would I fall under the 2015 rules or the 2017 rules?
R.F.
Hi Lisa, current law requires everybody that is approved for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program to serve a 5 month waiting period. The 5 month waiting period ensures that during the early months of disability, we do not pay benefits to persons who do not have long-term disabilities. Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for further 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 in the week. Thanks.
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Craig W.
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Craig Wilson
Mark W.
I didnt ask to be disabled. When I call the 800 # to the SSA I feel like its my fault that they have more than they can handle and I am very nice on the phone but I do not receive this in return, rather I feel as though I am a burden to them. I just called and told them that my confirmation to my direct deposit was incorrect and I needed it desperately changed prior to my next check. The guy acted like I was someone that owed him money that didnt pay him back. I dont deserve this. People seem to think being on disability is a free ride, set and watch TV all day and get a deposit once a month for doing nothing. News Flash, its not that EASY!! I was making $60k a year and went too $12k a year, but to talk to SSA on the phone you would think that I found my cloud with a silver lining and went from $12k a year to the American dream of being disabled and making $60k a year. The account on file is closed and he wouldnt help me to change to my direct express card. I am a victim of the Equifax breach and he asked me my previous account and routing number. 1st, I dont recall it because its been closed for 2 months, and second, I didnt think they could ask that of us. Now, because he didnt want to help me, my deposit will go to a closed account and God only knows when or if I will ever get it.
R.F.
Hello Mark. We apologize and regret to hear that we did not provide the level of customer service you expected. Remember, we take protecting the public’s personal information very seriously, and our representatives are required to use an identity verification process to protect your privacy and your Social Security information and benefits. Also, many services are conveniently available anytime at our website, and beneficiaries can create a personal my Social Security account to manage their Social Security benefits. For changes related to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you are required to call us or contact your local Social Security office. Sometimes we experience higher than normal call volume. Generally, when calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later during the day or later during the week. Our representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. We thank you for your understanding and for bringing this matter to our attention. Please try again. For help regarding Direct Express, please contact 1.888.741.1115. Thanks!
Osvaldo
I have agrophobia anxiety panic attacks depression and turrets syndrome I also been to the hospital overnight cause of suicide thoughts I’m currently going to a mental clinic for a year I applied for ssi but got denied even when all my doctors and psychiatrist voiced of how bad I am I got denied I’m homeless cause I lost my apartment for being disabled and being able to work my situation is bad and winter is coming my depression is starting to get worst
R.F.
Hi Osvaldo, we are sorry to hear that your application for disability benefits did not go the way you had hoped. Social Security wants to be sure that the decision made about your disability claim is correct. If you do not agree with our decision, you have the right to file an appeal. You must make a request within 60 days from the date you received your notice of denial. If you need help with filing your appeal, you can contact your local Social Security office. For more information read our publication “The Appeals Process“. Also, while you are waiting for a medical decision, you may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. We hope this information helps.
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