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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Harry N.
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Ivette s.
I really would like to know if there are any programs out there or help because I am at the end of my rope to the point where I don’t even want to say. I worked all my life since I am fourteen now going on 46 and been pending disability. June 23 rd 2014 I was injured in a traumatic slip and fall in a grocery store due to their negligence and have lost everything in life. I was self employed w my own cleaning business Pryor to that and never was on a medication or had any kind of physical injury till after the fall. This is so unfair and I want someone to guide me in the right direction before I seriously lose my mind on top of the chronic pain. Who wants to live like this and depending on other people cause the system is so messed up.
Kathleen M.
I was injured at birth, Brachial plexus injury / Erbs Palsy. When I filed for disability at 60/61 because I could no longer work I had to go 5 months without pay. When I finally received it after numerous forms and interview. I did not get the 5 months pay and the paper stating the reason for award stated I was injured January of that year. As a birth injured person I worked, struggled, overcompensated myself to support myself. I worked mostly part time after marriage because full time was too damaging. Human beings are designed to be bylatteral BPI children with permanent injury are never bilateral and it truly takes a toll on our bodies. Since many of us never had any access to our birth records it’s hard to prove. All my medical records stated I had Erbs Palsy but SSD declared I was recently injured. This puts people like me in a tough position because full employment becomes more difficult after a number of years due to overcompensation, overuse affecting our uninsured arms and our spines. Unfortunately most BPI injured are not recognized as disabled at birth and rarely can a family get SSI and it’s very difficult for adult birth injured to obtain SSDI. How can I find information on how to help BPI find information to apply when the time comes. Most BPI injured deal with SSD doctors who are not familiar with BPI injuries long term effects on their entire body. I am a volunteer BOD member at UBPN.org
Thank you for any direction you can give me to support those BPI birth injured adults in need.
Weight L.
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Sylvester S.
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thomas g.
i have an disability, i have three bulging disc in my neck, bulging disc in my lower back, spine is twisted and doesn’t bend with motion, i use a cane because my left leg and foot goes numb and lose my balance, i’m deaf in my right ear, i have ptsd, manic depression, personality disorder, anxiety, prostate problems. i think the social security should pay then they do to people can’t work can’t live off of little money how can a disable person survive
Bruce J.
After a 20 year pediatric and surgical practice disability was the last place I though I would end up. 6 plus years ago I broke my neck in several places along with many other injuries. After a year learning to walk again I find that I dont really remember my family. However I was able to peace together a life with the help of disability. For over a year I was in an apartment living pretty independent. The 11th of this month I was told by the health department and police to leave my home and don’t touch anything. My neighbor had contaminated the building with meth. I was not to reenter or I would be arrested. The owners were not offering any help. not even prepaid rent. I dont know where to turn. I found a room for rent but like the others they want deposit and first and last rent. I can afford my daily living. I just need some one time help to get started again. My belongings, the necessary ones would also be helpful. I have reached out for days and every one says there is help but I am without an home and without sounding demanding, I need help now!! please Email me I am about ready to give up. brucejorgensen.bj@gmail.com
R.F.
We are sorry to hear of your situation, Bruce. Individuals receiving disability benefits may also 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 office. Or you can visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information.
Just as a reminder, we do not do direct messaging in this venue. Thanks!
Jose A.
I noticed something different about my walk. It was difficult getting up from` a chair and getting out of a car. I was diagnosed a year later and i have to find a better solution and was introduced to try the help of herbal formula. I am now 59 tho and am fully cured from Parkinson’s disease.
contact Total Cure Herbal Foundation on: Totalcureherbalfoundation gmailcom i had to use the remedies for 15 weeks usage which really help on my condition.
Ava
Elizabeth Y.
I cannot afford housing, food—TRUMP gets 2 scoops, my SSDI has decreased every year, despite being on Xtra held. Yet, AARP Medicare increases SO much, i can have 1 meal a day.
Medicare D has eliminated almost EVERY medication i need.
I hate living here.Prefer 2 B by myself (with my cats. If not possible, neither is living.
LR
I am 100% service connected disabled but am only 56 yrs of age. Am I allowed to draw my Social Security?
Please help? Thank you.
R.F.
First of all, thank you for your service to our country. The earliest age a person can start receiving retirement benefits is at age 62.
If you are receiving benefits from the VA, please keep in mind that the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs including veterans benefits.
Social Security pays only for total disability. Disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to result in death. No benefits are payable for partial disability or short-term disability.
If you think that you meet our definition of disability, we encourage you to apply for disability benefits as soon as possible, you can apply online, which is quick and easy. You can also apply by calling our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Or you can contact your local Social Security office directly.
We hope this information helps!