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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Riley S.
I am currently collecting SSecurity. I had a stroke and cannot do my CDL driving. I am wondering if I could collect SSI on top of SS. If I were to try to work in my disabled condition ?
Ray F.
Hello Riley. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, are based on your earnings prior to becoming disabled and are not subject to income and resource limits. The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program in the other hand, is a needs-based program that pays benefits to disabled adults and children who have limited income and resources. If you have low income and limited resources, you may be able to receive both benefits.
Please call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 and speak to one of our agents. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
To learn more about returning to work visit our Frequently Asked Questions web page on disability. We hope this information helps!
Joe
I have some very severely disabling conditions. I am receiving social security due to my age. I can’t afford all of my copayments.
Can I obtain additional benefits via compassionate benefits?
Ray F.
Please visit http://www.Medicare.gov for information on how you may get help paying costs. Thanks!
cheryl f.
if disabled can you try and work and get back to maybe working part time and if so how do you go about it.
BeverlyHollingshed
I’m hoping this time that I will be able to get disability because me health condition really change in away that I can’t work like I use to.
peter b.
will an inheritance impact a person on SSDI benefits? Couldn’t find a clear answer on this site. understand only earned income from employment and not an inheritance impacts SSDI benefits.
Margaret K.
I was receiving disability payments from you for 10 years before I reached 65 years of age. I am still disabled now and do not understand why I cannot continue to receive disability payments. Have been told that most people can continue their disability after age 65. What is going on?
Ray F.
Hello Margaret. Social Security disability benefits automatically change to retirement benefits when disability beneficiaries attain their full retirement age. Benefits are not interrupted with this transition and the benefit amount will generally remains the same. Thanks!
malena
I have not worked full time in many years due to many health issues. Major being depression and anxiety. What form is it that I need my psychiatrist to fill out? What forms do I need my other specialist to fill out?
Larry G.
i need to get either the commissioner or deputy commissioner of the social security administration to talk to me I already sent a letter to the president of the united states but I would like to communicate with the commissioner or deputy commissioner of the social security administration so you are not blindsided by Mr. TRUMP I’m a 11year veteran of the gulf war and hurt my back fighting for your freedom and MR TRUMP is going to want to know why you don’t have the time to talk to me
Diane
I filled out an application to restart my disability in March. I was only off disability for less than a year and lost my job. I understood restarting your disability within a certain amount of time would be very easy but sure is not. I did not receive a check in April because of a “glitch”. I called today to find d out if I would be receiving a check in May and it seems I will not be getting one.
I live alone. I have NO MONEY at all. I lost my car and if I don’t get my disability I will lose my housing. I can’t afford my medication. I had a couple of strokes do to clotting problems. My blood clots too much. Without daily life saving medication I’ll have a stroke and this time I may no make it.
Can someone at the Commissioner’s office ease help me NOW?
Ray F.
Hello Diane. Unfortunately, but for security reasons, we do not have access to personal records in this blog. Please continue working with your local office. You can request to speak with the manager to see how we can help to expedite resolution of your 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. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week.
You can write to us or send us an email message.
Please be cautious about posting personal information on social media channels and communicating personal information via email. Thanks.
Sandi H.
My daughter is 35 years old and has been disabled since she was 6 months of age. I am her legal guardian. She does received SSI and has been insured under my husband’s employer’s insurance her entire life. He is now 65 years old and retiring and I will have to carry the insurance. My employer says that I’m not allowed to cover her because she’s older than 26 and was not insured under my insurance before she reached that age. Is that correct? We live in Illinois
Ray F.
Unfortunately, we cannot provide an answer to your question, Sandi. Your local social services may be able to provide guidance in your situation. Remember that individuals receiving SSI benefits, may also get Medicaid, which helps pay doctor and hospital bills. Your local social services or medical assistance office can give you information about Medicaid. We hope this helps!