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1. What is the definition of disability used by social security?
"Disability" means "inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for continuous period of not less than 12 months."
2. Are there different types of Social Security disability benefits?
There are at least 5 major types of Social Security disability benefits:
1.) Disability Insurance Benefits (Social Security Disability Benefits) SSD goes to individuals who have worked in recent years (5 out of the last 10 years in most cases).
2.) Supplemental Security Income Benefits are paid to individuals who are poor and who are disabled. It does not matter for SSI whether an individual has worked in the past or not.
3.) SSI Child's Disability Benefits are a variety of SSI benefits paid to children under the age of 18 who are disabled. The way in which disability is determined is a bit different for children.
4.) Disabled Widow's and Widower's Benefits are paid to individuals who are at least 50 and become disabled within a certain amount of time after the death of their husband or wife. The late husband or wife must have worked enough under Social Security to be insured.
5.) Disabled Adult Child Benefits go to the disabled children of persons who are deceased or who are drawing Social Security disability or retirement benefits. The child must have become disabled before age 22.
For Disability Insurance Benefits, Disabled Widow's or Widower's Benefits, and Disabled Adult Child benefits, it does not matter whether the disabled individual is rich or poor. Benefits are paid based upon a Social Security earning record.
3. How do I apply for Social Security disability benefits?
You can go to the nearest Social Security office in person or you can call your local Social Security office by telephone and arrange for a telephone interview to file the claim. Our office can help you with this very important step.
4. I am disabled, but I have money in the bank. Can I still apply?
Yes. If you have worked in recent years or if you are applying for Disabled Widow's/Widower's benefits or Disabled Adult Child benefits, it does not matter how much money you have in the bank. There is no reason to wait to file the claim. SSI applicants must have or own under a certain amount to qualify.
5. How long do I have to wait after becoming disabled before I can file for Social Security disability benefits?
You can file for Social Security disability benefits immediately after you have stopped working or if you are disabled and earn less than $869 per month. Many individuals make the mistake of waiting months and even years after becoming disabled before filing a Social Security disability claim. An individual who suffers serious illness or injury and expects to be out of work for a year or more should not delay in filing a claim for Social Security disability benefits.
6. Can I get both worker's compensation and Social Security disability benefits?Yes. But please know that there is often an offset, which reduces Social Security disability benefits because of worker's compensation benefits. You still should apply.
7. Can I receive disability for a combination of problems?
Most of our clients have more than one health or mental problem and the combined effects of all of the problems must be considered.
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