There’s Plenty You Should Know About Social Security Disability Benefits!
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: March 17, 2021
Life is unpredictable. When something interrupts your plans, it’s good to know there’s a way to supplement your income, in case of an unexpected life event.
Social Security has a strict definition of disability based on your inability to work and provide for yourself and your family. Disability benefits are available only to people with impairments so severe that they prevent any kind of significant, profitable work. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.
We pay disability via two programs: the Social Security Disability Insurance program, for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to be eligible, and the Supplemental Security Income program, which pays benefits based on financial need.
When you apply for either program, we will collect medical and other information from you. Our disability examiners will make a decision about whether or not you can do work that you did before, adjust to other work because of your medical condition, and if your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or is likely to result in death.
Certain factors may speed or delay the decision in your case, like the nature of your disability and how quickly we can get your medical records. We may also need to send you for an additional medical examination at no cost to you.
If you would like to apply for disability benefits, you can use our online application. It has several advantages, including immediately starting the process, no waiting to get an appointment, and no trip to a Social Security Office. It’s easy, convenient, and secure.
You can find out everything there is to know about disability benefits online.
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Tags: Disability, Social Security benefits, SSI, supplemental security income
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Catherine L.
I am on as disability. I was told I can apply for medicare after 2 years being on disability. I do not qualify for Medicaid. I leave in Texas. My spouse works.
thomas k.
fille your own disability claims you don’t need a lawyer gather all your medical records then get appoitment and file your claim ,then if your disapproved get a lawyer it would go faster as your claim is already filed people are disapproved quit they don’t pursue the claim this is what social security wants ,then they can give your money to illegals and politicans who pay down their debts
thomas k.
called social security office in deridder,la stayed on phone for 40 minutes went to the office and no one was in the lobby i ask the man in the window why he didn’t answer the phone he said the phone rings in the back and it depends on who is back there to pick up the phone in another words no one answers the phone he was not able to help me any way to busy watching the clock.they need to close this office and fire all the people
Beverly H.
My brother-n-law thinks he receives SSI. But, his son has control over it. My brother-n-law doesn’t even know how much his check is a month. He feels his son isn’t being totally honest with him. His son says he’s paying Hospital bills & doctor bills my brother-n-law incurred after having surgery (one of his eyes removed/cancer). My brother-n-law doesn’t know what to do, so he turned to me to see if I can help him out. My brother-n-law is illiterate and can not understand Math. This is why his son has control over his Dad’s monthly check. Will you be able to help us out in this matter?
Ray F.
Hi Beverly, if you suspect misuse of Social Security or SSI benefits, report it. We will investigate all allegations of misuse, gather facts and evidence, and make a decision on whether misuse has occurred. If we find misuse occurred, SSA may find a new representative payee. Generally, we look for family or friends to serve as representative payees. When friends or family are not able to serve as payees, Social Security looks for qualified organizations to be representative payees.
Please call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to speak to one of our representatives. Or you can contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!
Maria G.
If a person does not have a computer or other internet service available, would he be able to get an appointment to start the process or does he have to be a walk-in
Ray F.
Hi, Maria. Some of our local offices do offer walk-in appointments; however, these appointments are on a first come, first serve basis.
To apply for benefits or to make an appointment, call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to speak to someone. It will also establish “protective filing” and prevent any loss of benefits. We hope this helps.
Edward r.
Just want to say the way I’m treated in my local SSI office in Bozeman, Montana it’s just wrong I’ve been disabled since 1999 and have been repaying a so called over payment that I had nothing to do with it was ssi’s mistake I filled a application for reconsideration ssi did nothing now I filled for ssdi ssi approved me but don’t you know they tell me once again I was over paid so instead of receiving $400 a month because ssi make a mistake I’m only received $10.50 a month I can’t work a ssi government worker told me I could not appeal anything she does well I appeal still nothing
Anthony J.
I am 84 and widowed. I live in a retirement community in Georgetown, Tx. Since retirement I have developed a back problem which VA doctors say is inoperable. I’m wondering if I would qualify for some House care Assistance Like mopping floors and dusting , and cleaning bathroom. I can handle washing clothes, machine, does all the work.
Ray F.
Hello Mr. Tummillo. Please visit the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) web page for more information.
Liza S.
I am receiving a dis ability benefits- will I be able to continue receiving my benefits if I changed state from California to Nevada.
i just had a stoke 2 years ago and incapacitated to work any longer. I worked from the post office for 22 years when i had a stroke and became handicapped from it.
Ray F.
Hello Liza, both Social Security disability (SSDI) & the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are federal administered programs and are transferable to other states. However, if you are receiving SSI, you must report any new changes, such as your relocation to Nevada to the local Social Security office there.
For Social Security disability (SSDI), you can create a my Social Security account and simply change your address online.
We hope this information helps. Good luck!
Leslie R.
If rent is too high, is there something I can do?
They’ve raised it twice this year.
Shirley P.
I am on total disability and have been diagnosed with metastic breast cancer. I used to have a job with the state of Illinois which have very good medical benefits as well as pay. I can not do much lifting and tire easy, but would I be a canudate for the ticket to work program? I am also a victim of identity theft and have been placing info about it from the FTC at my local libraries I would not be able to work but a few hours a week but need the money. Are there any jobs such as helping people with ID Theft ? Thank you
Ray F.
Hi Shirley. Generally, reports and investigations of identity theft are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information in their website: http://www.idtheft.gov. Or you may call them at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). For more information about the Ticket to work program, visit Social Security’s website: https://www.socialsecurity.gov/work/. Thank you!