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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ronald l.
I am currently on social security disability.i saw on the social security statement that my wife is eligible for benefits. how do we apply for those benefits?
Kathleen C.
My brother just died. He was 62 years old and was receiving disability benefits. Can his widow now collect his benefits?
Ray F.
We are sorry for your loss, Kathleen. A widow or widower can start receiving reduced survivors benefits as early as age 60 (age 50 if disabled).
We should be notified immediately when a person dies. However, you cannot report a death or apply for survivors benefits online. To apply for benefits, you or the widow should call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can speak to a Social Security representative between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can also visit your local Social Security office. 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. Thanks.
Christina
Would inheriting money impact a person’s SSDI monthly benefit? Or would money placed into trust and paid monthly impact SSDI? This person has been on SSDI for more than 2 years and is 60.
Jonathan C.
It’s been 134 days since my disability hearing. I have called Social Security numerous times to find out what is going on with my case. Sometimes I am told it’s waiting to be written. Other times I am told Social Security sent an email to my lawyer about fees and my lawyer hasn’t responded. I don’t know what to believe. I am trying not to lose my house. It’s not much but I have all my belongings and family in it. I can’t get utilities on in the house because it’s in such bad shape but it’s all we can afford to pay for now. I need my disability check so I can afford better living arrangements. How long does it take to write out a decision if the judge has already decided and passed it on to the writers?
Thomas R.
What is the allowable monthly earnings for somebody on social security disability.
Ray F.
Hello Thomas. A person may still be eligible for disability benefits under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program if they work. However, their earnings cannot exceed a certain amount. This is called the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2018, the SGA limit is $1,180 per month (or $1,970 for blind applicants). In addition to the amount of money you make, Social Security may also look at the number of hours you’re able to work.
For more information visit our “Frequently Asked Questions” web page on disability. We hope this information helps, thanks!
Tina M.
My car broke. I’m on disability. Can I pull money out of my pension to fix it? If so is there a cap on the amount?
Ray F.
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. Or visit your local Social Security office directly. Thanks!
Patrice G.
I am total disable due to a job injury and I lost my job insurance on 06/18/2018 and now I need to see my doctor but I have to self pay. I only get $1588 a month in disability benefits and my medicare wont start until I am 25 months disable. What I suppose to do in the meantime. Is there any options for me. I am diabetic and I have high blood pressure . I cant wait over two years to see a doctor
Vonda V.
Hi Patrice, thank you for your question. Since you have not reached your 24-months, you may be eligible to receive assistance from the state where you 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. You can also visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services web page for more information.
Mary F.
I am looking online for the form “Request for Employment Information. The form I had was destroyed. Thanks, Mary Amico
Ray F.
Hello Mary!
REQUEST FOR EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION: https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/CMS-Forms/CMS-Forms/Downloads/CMS-L564E.pdf
REQUEST FOR SOCIAL SECURITY EARNING INFORMATION: https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-7050.pdf
We hope this helps!
Wanda C.
Can my husband draw disability benefits if he can no longer physically do his job because of a medical issue? He is 71 years old.
Ray F.
Thank you for your question, Wanda. If a person has reached his or her full retirement age (Currently 66) and is receiving Social Security retirement, they are no longer eligible for disability benefits.
MARY M.
No comment at this time thank you.