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, social security disability benefits, SSI, supplemental security income
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Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
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robert
you have to be denied three time ‘s before you can go before a law judge get a lawer it takes 3 times
Hope F.
robert, when someone is denied at application, they can appeal for Reconsideratioin, if their state has Reconsideration.
What three times are you talking about ?
Willard
I have Ben down the ruff road I applied for ssi and disability back in 2000 was denied and I applied in 2012 was denied in 2015 now I’m on a now case fI led in 2016 I have all papers.of everything I have bilateral curpal tunnel syndrome server and I have spondylolisthesis server I have Ben out of work sence 2011 and still fighting to get help
Helen
Who is the Acting SSA Commissioner?
R.F.
Hi Helen, the acting Commissioner is Nancy A. Berryhill. She will serve as the Acting Commissioner of Social Security while we await the confirmation of a permanent Commissioner.
Steve W.
Can my wife draw additional disability benefits? She’s retired and drawing regular SS now, based on her work history alone, but has a handicap that makes her SS income and my work income (<50k/year) difficult to live on.
R.F.
Hi Steve, individuals can apply for Disability Benefits before they reach their full retirement age. Disability payments are established at the highest rate possible, meaning your wife could get a higher monthly benefit amount. We can continue paying her retirement benefits while we consider her application for disability and wait for a medical decision. Keep in mind that in addition to meeting our definition of disability, individuals must have worked long enough–and recently enough–under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits. For more information and to see if she should apply for disability benefits, your wife can contact her local office or call us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and speak with one of our representatives. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. We hope this information helps you.
Amg
I have grand mal pseudo seizures due to conversion disorder that last anywhere from 5 minutes to 4 hours, early menopause, am in a bed or wheel chair anywhere from a few hours – a week after seizing (convulsions, irregular breathing to stopping up to 45 ish seconds at a time and half the time catatonic), random leg give outs, an inset vertebrae on the 12th lumbar, chronic ptsd with regular breakdowns of blacking out and disappearing beneath 4 people’s noses in the house (I’m tiny) and it can’t be treated (seizures) because they’re non epileptic, don’t smoke anything or drink, have manic bipolar and insomnia, nerve damage in my frontal lobe (brain), and I have circulatory anemia. I was denied twice in Iowa and had to move back to Nebraska after finding out the only specialist for my issues within four states is here and have been denied again, sent in my appeal 2 weeks ago, working with (disability attorney of over 40 years), and I’ve had over 350 seizures since march 21,2013. I’m also 21. The government makes it as hard as fudge biscuit!
Amg
Oh and I have an average of 3-5 seizures a week
R. P.
What is failed to be mentioned here is the stress and turmoil one has to go through to apply & receive what they’ve worked their whole lives for!! We work for it, we’ve earned it, BUT, we still have to fight for it!!
kate
No you pay in which is paying the current benefits out to others. The money you pay in is microscopic in comparison to the amount you would be paid in benefits. You are NOT entitled to it, it is NOT retirement benefits. It is something you are entitle to APPLY for. Your SSA statement states clearly YOU MAY be entitled to benefits. You don’t work for it and earn it. Educate yourself. You pay in peanuts like a Life Insurance Policy. The problem is Too many people have been on this then what it was intended for and the well is dry. If you put in several thousand over 40 years, Then how do you expect to get a years salary out of it every year until age 65. SSDI and SSI do not pay past the 65th birthday. At that point you are expected to be retired. Retired because WHO WOULDN”T QUALIFY as disabled at age 65 years of age. Give me a break people. Do you even hear yourselves. Whiny, entitled, arrogant people who thinks that someone is getting something and they aren’t as bad off as you. Who are you to judge. you have not read their medical records. you have not seen their files. SSA awards cases not on a medical condition. It’s HOW a conditions IMPACTS or IMPAIRS YOUR ABILITY. Also so many are surprised when they are not seeking medical treatment that they are denied. You have to prove your severe impairment does impair your activities severely and for AT LEAST A year. No medical evidence NO CLAIM! If you have a condition that has not last a year, you too will be denied, unless your condition is expect to end in death in less than a year. So yes, they screen cases well. If someone files a fraudulent claim, they would have to be claiming something that is not objective and can’t be said other than taking someone’s word for it, for example a mental impairment. Plus they would have to be a damn good actor to fool all their treating doctors and therapists.
If you truly know someone who you believe to be a fraud and collecting they REPORT THEM TO SSA so SSA can investigate. Stop your whining and put your money where your mouth is.
Dawn
You are wrong. We pay into this system so we can have a supposedly decent retirement. “Under the 1935 law, what we now think of as Social Security only paid retirement benefits to the primary worker. A 1939 change in the law added survivors benefits and benefits for the retiree’s spouse and children. In 1956 disability benefits were added.”
I cannot stand that people think we are getting a handout from the government, I have paid into this fund for the last 41 years. If I become disabled, then I should be able to apply and get it. When I turn full retirement age, I will get it. You need to educate yourself. Social Security was meant to supplement retirement benefits from your job. The system is broken. Too many people that don’t deserve it are getting it and those who do deserve it are denied. I don’t care what SSA people claim, there is a problem with the system. It takes entirely too long to get the benefits. I am lucky that I have a decent retirement and don’t need to apply yet.
And, all of you on here who denigrate or make fun of people who are disabled or who may not have perfect grammar, shame on you!!!!
How f.
If you are so educated and gifted, why is it that you spend your time ranting and raving about all these people that according to you have chosen to cry disabled just so they can barely make it financially from one month to the next, in what’s supposed to be the prime of their life. Only instead of enjoying themselves doing things their old friends go out doing only they avoid you like the plague bc of your disabilities that you say we all pretend to have just so we never have anything to leave home for except maybe another Dr. APT. that if we’re lucky we may get to take the bus to, n just a f.y.i my carpal tunnel isn’t my only physical issue, I Also get the joy of metal disorders as well, the things u said easier about PTSD being fake it’s what happens when u run out of chocolates is that really what u Said? Well let me ask u a oersonal question then. Let’s role play briefly seeing as u like to assume you know what someone diagnosed with a severely traumatic mental disorder stems back from running out of chocolates. The only one running out of chocolates will b u from your ass after you get treated like the no good piece of trash you constantly treat everyone else on this site expressing deep dark editions, all for you to pound on them like big bubba is slamming ur stinkk hole, making u pry yourself free from around your ankles just in time to eat every last speck of u guessed it your favorite ur own shit it’s ok u can call it chocolate, just when u think ur done the worst is over, that’s when your new friend gets creative this is your life as u grew to know it. Locked up fag sex slave finally u get free after more than ur life being made to live this way. So ur first day in the real world i’d imagine you big bad mean man would be hitting the streets job search right. Just bc u may have lead a charmed life in the Role of “Big Bubba” remember not everyone has been so lucky
Roger
I was approved for ssi at 61 after waiting over 2 years. When I turn 62 3 months later Social Security made me take early retirement. I lost a lot of money for the rest of my life, is Social Security saying I’m not disabled now? Seems as though I should have gotten retroactive pay since I was disabled before early retirement started. Have you heard this to be true?
R.F.
Hi Roger, keep in mind that the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program pays benefits based on financial need. We have strict guidelines that apply to individuals receiving benefits under the SSI program. If an SSI recipient is insured and qualifies on his or her own record for their own retirement benefit, they are required to apply at age 62. Failure to apply for additional benefits will result in suspension or termination of their SSI benefits. We hope this information is helpful.
Peggy l.
I hope someone can give me correct feedback a with this issue.I was on ssi before i got married 6 yrs ago. social security stopped because my husband made too much money for me to receive SSI.my husband became disabled during our marriage.HE receives SSD and retirment pension.I still have my disability and haven’t worked.Now we are seperated and are living under the same room in which is so difficult.But i have no where to live.I have no money and still unable to work.Now i don’t know if i have to go through the whole process of waiting for approval.my status hasn’t changed as far as the disability i have if anything its worse.I’m very upset that getting married stopped me from continuing to receive benefits.Now I’m in an awful situation where I don’t have money for copays for docs and prescriptions or food or a place to live etc…
Grace
I would think you options are limited but your divorce lawyer should be able to get you a portion of his pension. I would go to your ss office in person, bring a physician report and let them know you need to restart your ssi. They may say you need to be divorced first to qualify. Once you have your benefit back you can find housing options. Some disabled housing rent is just 30% of your income.
R.F.
For your security, we do not have access to personal information via this blog. We suggest contacting our toll free telephone number at 1-800-772-1213 and speaking to one of our representatives for specific concerns about your situation. Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Thanks!
Susan C.
take any paperwork from your previous approval and any subsequent work showing divorce and physical health, but go to your SS office ASAP.
Hope F.
Peggy lavon, as long as you and your husband live under the same roof, you aren’t eligible for SSI. Your husbands income is factored into your SSI benefits because when you are married you have a legal and financial responsibility for each other.
If/when you no longer live under the same roof and SSA can verify this, you will have to file a new SSI application and go through the process all over again. You may or may not be found disabled. It will depend on your current medical records, If you are found disabled, you will have to meet the financial criteria for SSI. The soonest you might be eligible for SSI would be the month after you file your SSI application.
Donald B.
I was approved finally after 3 years. However, social security sent $24,560.00 to domestic relations even though I didn’t know any money on my case. Now Domestic relations is saying they did not get it. This money has vanished into thin air and neither place will help me find it!
Mike H.
There in the Bahamas drinking mi tis and singing this is a woderful day on Donald Bruces backpay !! <|:~)
Juliano G.
File a police report, KEEP bugging the detectives. THAT check was issued then who cashed or deposited it is on record. Fraud should get YOU a new check, but get a different bank, credit union or dependable relative who’s trustworthy to receive it for you.
Tricia
I’ve been denied 2 times, now I got a lawyer and went in front of the judge. I’m waiting for the results. …..if I don’t get it I’m killing myself.
Juan F.
Wish all the best its where I’m at waiting for a court date with the judge, how long of wait was it for you to get a date for a court hearing date after your second denial.
R.F.
The length of time it takes to get a hearing can vary from state to state. We attempt to resolve all claims promptly, but there may be delays due to the volume of pending appeals in your area. Please continue working with your attorney and local hearing office on specific questions about your case. Thank you for your support and for using our blog.
Juan F.
Thank you for the response.
Susan C.
Tricia,
more for the rest of us.
I was denied 4 times before I got a lawyer, but he took $4000 for his representation back in the 90’s.
If you are denied, you are not truly disabled.
Dawn
You know, Karma is a you-know-what. You shouldn’t be so hateful or flippant about someone contemplating suicide.
james h.
I bet you can taste the Hoppes No.9 gun cleaning solution already.
John W.
If you think killing yourself will solve your problem that’s wrong because what about the people you’ll leave behind?