Disability & SSA
The Social Security Administration pays benefits under two programs: Social
Security disability and Supplemental Security Income. The Social Security disability insurance program pays benefits
to you and certain family members if you worked long enough and paid Social Security
taxes.
Your adult child also may qualify for benefits on your earnings record if he or
she has a disability that started before age 22.
The Supplemental Security Income program pays benefits to disabled adults and children
who have limited income and resources.
SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet
the financial limits.
For most people, the medical requirements for disability payments are the same under
both programs and disability is determined by the same process.
How SSA decides you are disabled: a step-by-step process involving five questions. They are:
Are you working? If you are working in 2008 and your earnings average more than $940 a month, you generally cannot be considered disabled. If you are not working, then,
Is your condition "severe"? Your condition must interfere with basic work-related activities for your claim to be considered. If it does not, SSA will find that you are not disabled. If your condition does interfere with basic work-related activities, then,
Is your condition found in the list of disabling conditions? For each of the major body systems, SSA maintains a list of medical conditions that are so severe they automatically mean that you are disabled. If your condition is not on the list, SSA will have to decide if it is of equal severity to a medical condition that is on the list. If it is, SSA will find that you are disabled. If it is not, then,
Can you do the work you did previously? If your condition is severe but not at the same or equal level of severity as a medical condition on the list, then SSA must determine if it interferes with your ability to do the work you did previously. If it does not, your claim will be denied. If it does, then,
Can you do any other type of work? If you cannot do the work you did in the past, SSA will see if you are able to adjust to other work. SSA considers your medical conditions and your age, education, past work experience and any transferable skills you may have. If you cannot adjust to other work, your claim will be approved. If you can adjust to other work, your claim will be denied.
Most people who receive disability benefits are workers who qualify on their own records and meet the work and disability requirements just described. However, there are some special situations you may not know about: for people who are blind, for widows or widowers who are disabled, for children who are disabled, and for Wounded Warriors.
Whether you apply for Social Security disability or Supplemental Security Income, SSA asks you for information about your medical condition, work and education history to help decide if you are disabled under their rules. Free Online SSA Application.
