Overview

Social Security has several types of compensation benefits for which you may qualify. There are two major types of disability compensation. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are paid to persons who have worked and paid into the social security trust fund, and to some of your dependents. You may also be entitled to receive back pay of benefits upon the showing that you were disabled prior to the date of your application for benefits. If your disability claim is approved you will begin receiving benefits for the sixth full month from the date that the Social Security Administration finds your disability began. From time to time your case may be reviewed by the Social Security Administration in order to determine whether your are still disabled or whether your condition has improved and you no longer qualify for benefits.

Supplemental Security Income

On the other hand, if you are disabled and have limited income and assets, you may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for you and some of your dependents. SSI provides payment of benefits to disabled adults and children. Your eligibility for SSI benefits will be determined based on your financial need. If you are eligible for SSI benefits you may also qualify for Medicaid, which may help pay for physician, hospital, and prescription related expenses.

The Social Security Administration Definition of Disability

Under the Social Security Administration standards a disability is defined as the inability to engage in any type of work due to a physical or mental condition that is expected to last longer than 12 months and/or to result in death. Your condition must be severe enough that it interferes with "basic work related activities" for the Social Administration to consider your disability claim.

The Social Security Administration utilizes an Official Listing of Impairments in order to determine disability claims. This listing compiles a number of specific medical disorders with very specific conditions that a person must meet in order to be awarded disability benefits. Your age, level of education, and work experience may also play a role in determining whether you are disabled. You must be unable to perform your current or most recent job, and/or you must also lack the ability, education, and experience to perform any other job.

How does the Social Security Administration decide whether you are disabled?

The Social Security Administration will make a decision on your disability claim based upon the information contained in your treating physicians’ reports. It is very important that you keep an accurate and updated list of all the physicians you have seen for your medical condition. This will not only expedite the decision on your claim and avoid unnecessary delays, but will also provide the necessary documentation needed for a fair decision on your disability claim.

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This information is not intended to serve as a substitute for consultation with an attorney. Specific legal issues, concerns and conditions always require the advice of appropriate legal professionals.