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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Ignacio A.
I’m a USMC Veteran suffering from PTSD. I in formed the security guard at 9:30 a.m. and I ask for accommodation. I was instructed to wait in lobby B near window 30. After 45 mins The environment was getting loud, people were getting to close to me. My anxiety was getting out of control. I was called to the express window 15, I informed SS employee I was dropping off medical records from VA Audie L Murphy Hospital. I was told my application was incomplete and I instructed to wait in lobby I would be called by name to a window. I informed her I have PTSD. I was instructed to wait in the lobby. 11:20 am I couldn’t take it anymore my PTSD was getting the best of me. I asked the security guard if I could speak with a manager, I have PTSD, and I’m about to lose it. I was told there were several managers, he couldn’t go back there (I witnessed him going to the back and coming out with chocolate cake earlier), he declined my request to speak with a manager. I asked for a managers name he declined to provide a name. He suggested I come in the afternoon. (Office closes at 12 pm on Wednesday). I told him I would file a complaint, his reply “good luck sir”. As a USMC Service-Connected Disabled Veteran, I’m dissatisfied with Social Security Office staff and Security Officer poor knowledge of how to accommodate Veterans who suffer from PTSD.
ben h.
do you have to 40 quarters of work in before you can get ss disability
V.V.
Thank you for your question, Ben. Generally, to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled. However, younger workers may qualify for SSDI with fewer credits. See “Number Of Credits Needed For Disability Benefits”, for more information.
Sherri
I am scheduled for a total knee replacement in February. I work housekeeping at a local vacation rental business. Due to the type of work I do and the recovery period of the surgery, do I qualify for disability?
V.V.
Hi Sherri. We pay disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have worked long enough and recently enough in jobs covered by Social Security (usually within the last 10 years). The (SSI) program is a needs based program that gives cash assistance to disabled individuals with limited income and resources. We pay disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. If you think you may be eligible to receive disability benefits and would like to apply, you can use our online application.
Applying online for disability benefits offers several advantages:
• You can start your disability claim immediately. There is no need to wait for an appointment.
• You can apply from the convenience of your home, or on any computer; and
• You can avoid trips to a Social Security office, saving you time and money.
If you are unable to file online, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday to make an appointment.
For more information visit our “Frequently Asked Questions” web page on disability. Thanks!
Grace M.
My grandson is deaf in one ear and wears a hearing aid and he also has vision problems and wears glasses. Is he eligible for Social Security benefits of any kind?
V.V.
Hi Grace, thank you for your question. It is possible that your grandson could be eligible for disability benefits. Please check out our brochure titled “Benefits for children with disabilities” for more details.
Carolyn C.
My daughter in law has parkenson. As a result also demtia. My son has a good income. Her name is on the house and a car in her name. All before she became ill. My son cannot get home health care for her because he makes to much. However she no longer works or will never be able to work. She gets ss , but not enough to pay for home health care, nor does he. He cannot get help. Can you help him?
V.V.
Hi Carolyn, thanks for your question. Social Security does not pay for home health care. Your daughter-in-law may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which they live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. They can get information about services in their area from their state or local social services office. Visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information.
Barbara B.
My ex-husband has been approved for disability with payments starting on May 1, 2019. He has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer stage IV and is living with me. We were married for 12 plus years and have lived together for the last 10 years. If he passes before he receives his benefits am I eligible to receive the benefits that are owed to him?
Wendy
I have cervical spinal stenosis, I heard that I can get disability. Is this true?
R.F.
Hi Wendy, the Social Security Act sets out a strict definition for disability. We pay disability benefits to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. However, if a person thinks that he or she meets our definition of disability, we encourage them to apply for disability benefits as soon as they become disabled. 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.
For more information visit our “Frequently Asked Questions” web page on disability. We hope this information helps!
Audra W.
If I was born in England and I have a green card, I now not able to work due to my disability. Can I apply for SSI?
April G.
Hello I was wondering if I am 32 and trying to get ssdi how many credits do I need to get ssdi? Also how long does it take to get those credits and what is the maximum credits I can get in a year? What is the amount I will get once I meet my credit goal? Last what is the maximum I can get in ssdi?
V.V.
Hi April, thank you for your questions. Check out our Benefits Planner: Social Security Credits web page for details on Social Security credits. In 2019, you receive one credit for each $1,360 of earnings, up to the maximum of four credits per year.
The number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
You can get your personal Social Security Statement online by using your my Social Security account. If you don’t yet have an account, you can easily create one. Your online Statement gives you secure and convenient access to your earnings records. It also shows estimates for retirement, disability and survivors benefits you and your family may be eligible for.
To set up or use your account to get your online Social Security Statement, go to Sign In Or Create An Account.
Elva C.
I am needing to find out if i qualify to get a walker. In the mornings especially & tbruout the day i find it difficult to walk after sitting for a period of time. I have R.A. as well as diabetes & burning sensations on the bottom of my feet.
Please if I could get some information I would appreciate it.
V.V.
Hi Elva. You will need to contact Medicare to inquire about the available benefits. They can be reached at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or http://www.medicare.gov.