Social Security Disability Benefits

About Social Security Disability Benefits

There are some disability programs that pay out benefits to individuals who have a short term disability or a partial disability. Social security disability benefits work a little differently.

The Social Security disability program pays out benefits only to individuals who have a permanent medical condition that prevents them from working. For example, individuals with certain disabilities may be prevented from working in an occupation that requires hard physical labor, but they can still work in other occupations. Such individuals would not be eligible for Social Security disability.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Benefits

To determine whether or not an applicant's disability matches the federal definition of a disability, the Social Security Administration uses a five step process:

Step One

If you are currently employed, your monthly earnings need to be below a certain point. If they are not, you may not be considered disabled.

Step Two

Step two examines your medical condition. To be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, your medical condition must be considered severe enough to limit your ability to perform regular work activities.

Step Three

State agencies keep a list of impairments that automatically qualify you as disabled. If your condition is noted on this list, you are ushered into step four of the process. If your condition is not on the list, it must match the severity of another impairment that is listed.

Step Four

After making it to step four, you will need to provide information about the work you were doing before you became disabled. If you have the mental and physical capacity to continue working at this job, you will most likely not qualify for social security disability benefits.

Step Five

If your condition prevents you from doing the work you were doing before becoming disabled, the agency will evaluate your ability to do other types of jobs. Considerations factored into this evaluation include your medical condition, education level, and past work experience.

Applying for Benefits

You shouldn't try to decide on your own whether or not you are eligible for disability benefits. You will be much better off filling out an application and letting the agency make that decision.

Because the application process can be rather arduous and may take a significant amount of time, it is best to apply for benefits as soon as you become disabled. You will be required to fill out an application for benefits, as well as a variety of other forms. You will also be asked to supply basic personal information, medical records, tax returns, and a summary of your recent earnings.

In certain cases, the agency may ask to speak with the doctors or clinics who have been handling your medical care. The agency may also want to see lab reports, test results, and other evidence of your condition.

You can either apply for benefits online at www.socialsecurity.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Receiving Benefits

After your application has been approved, you may start receiving benefits right away or you may have to wait. Social Security disability benefits are never paid out within the first six months of your disability. For example, if you became disabled in March, you will not begin receiving benefits until September.

The amount that you will receive in benefits will depend on your age and your average lifetime earnings. To get an estimate, you should view your most current Social Security Statement.