Frequently Asked Questions about Social Security Disability Benefits
Social Security Disability is a government program that aims to help support people financially when they’ve been injured and can not work or adapt to a new line of work. It also helps to protect people who are chronically disabled and never had the opportunity to work.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the jobs you have worked need to have paid into the Social Security fund and the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax. Additionally, you must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) strict definition of disability.
Apply for SSDI if you have a sufficient work history, and SSI if you have limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
The main difference is that SSDI is based on your work history and payroll taxes, while SSI is a needs-based program for those with limited income and resources.
Yes, you can receive both Worker’s Compensation and Social Security Disability benefits simultaneously, but your Social Security Disability benefits may be reduced.
The first steps are to gather your medical and work history information and then begin the application process online, by phone, or in person. It’s beneficial to speak to a social security disability attorney before you begin the process.
No. SocialSecurityDisability.com is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration (SSA), nor do we have any connection with the federal government.
Recognized disability conditions are medical impairments that meet the Social Security Administration’s criteria for preventing substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months.
Compassionate Allowances (CAL) are a way for the Social Security Administration to quickly identify and approve disability applications for individuals with the most serious medical conditions.
Your SSDI claim could have been denied because the Social Security Administration determined that your medical condition was not severe enough to prevent you from working, you didn’t meet the work history requirements, or there was insufficient medical documentation.
The social security “Blue Book” is a document utilized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine if a disability is eligible to receive benefits. It is broken into two parts: Adult Listings (Part A) and Childhood Listings (Part B). It also contains a general guide of the process for applying for Social Security Disability benefits which can be a useful reference as it is created by the institution that will make the decision on if you qualify or not.
Yes, you might have to pay federal income taxes on your Social Security benefits depending on your other income.
It’s possible to receive Social Security Disability benefits while working, but your earnings must be below a certain limit.
Yes, the type of discharge from the military can impact your eligibility for certain VA benefits.
To prepare for your Social Security disability interview, gather all relevant medical records, a list of your medications, and details about your work history and daily limitations.
Social Security Disability Reconsideration is the first level of appeal if your initial application for disability benefits is denied, where the Social Security Administration re-examines your case.
Yes, your Social Security Disability benefits may be taxable depending on your other income.
Yes, you generally become eligible for Medicare when you turn 65 if you have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain period.
For disability benefits cases, a lawyer’s legal fee is limited to 25 percent of the past-due benefits you are awarded by the SSA, or up to a maximum of $6,000.
A criminal conviction itself doesn’t automatically disqualify you from Social Security Disability benefits, but your ability to work and the nature of the crime and any related incarceration may be factors.
Your Social Security Disability benefits can last as long as your disability prevents you from working, though the Social Security Administration will periodically review your case to ensure you still meet their criteria.
Substance abuse alone generally does not qualify you for Social Security Disability benefits, but if it has caused or contributed to other severe physical or mental impairments that prevent you from working, those conditions may be considered.
Yes, your Social Security Disability benefits can be terminated if the Social Security Administration determines that your medical condition has improved, you are able to return to work, or you have failed to cooperate with their reviews.
A personal injury settlement generally does not directly affect your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits because SSDI is based on your work history and contributions, not unearned income.
Marriage can impact Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits for auxiliary beneficiaries (like spouses and children) and may affect Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility due to changes in household income and resources.
If your SSDI application is denied, you should file an appeal within the specified timeframe, starting with a request for reconsideration. It’s beneficial to speak to a social security disability insurance attorney before you begin the process.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is the Social Security Administration’s benchmark for the amount of monthly earnings that can indicate an individual is capable of performing significant work and thus not considered disabled under their rules.
Students may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if they meet the strict definition of disability and have a sufficient work history (for SSDI) or limited income and resources (for SSI).
Divorce can impact Social Security Disability benefits by potentially allowing a former spouse to receive benefits on your record if they meet certain criteria, and it can also affect eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) based on changes in household composition and income.
A stroke can qualify you for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if it results in severe and long-lasting physical or mental impairments that prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity.
Severe eczema can potentially qualify you for Social Security Disability benefits if it causes significant and long-lasting skin impairments and related symptoms that prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity, even with treatment.
While spouses with separate tax records are not directly included in an individual’s SSDI claim, information about a spouse’s income and resources may be relevant for certain aspects of the disability determination process or for potential auxiliary benefits.
Trial Work Periods are a set number of months during which Social Security Disability beneficiaries can test their ability to work and still receive their full disability benefits.
Whether contractors qualify for short-term disability insurance depends on their specific employment arrangement and whether they have purchased a private policy or their client offers such benefits.
Yes, Social Security benefits can be garnished in limited situations, such as to pay federal taxes, child support, or alimony.
Deeming of income in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) typically refers to how a portion of a parent’s or spouse’s income and resources may be considered (or “deemed”) available to a disabled child or spouse applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), potentially affecting their eligibility.
Yes, mental illnesses can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if they are severe enough to prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity and are expected to last for at least 12 months.
Yes, in some cases, you can collect Social Security benefits retroactively, meaning payments for months prior to the date of your application, but there are specific rules and limitations.
After your SSDI application is approved, it typically takes a few months to receive your first payment due to processing times and a mandatory five-month waiting period that usually begins from the established disability onset date.
Yes, you may be able to collect Social Security retirement or survivor benefits based on your ex-spouse’s record if you meet certain requirements, such as being unmarried and having been married for at least 10 years.