General Information about Social Security Disability

The Social Security Administration oversees more than retirement income. The Social Security Disabilities Act governs the Social Security monetary benefits, which are determined by your age and current income. If you are permanently disabled and are also unable to work for at least one full year due to a medically determined physical or mental condition, or if your condition will result in death, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability.

To qualify for benefits, you need to have documentation support your claim and complete specific forms. When, where and how to file may become complicated. If your case is denied, it may be appealed. If you have any questions on this complicated process, an experienced Social Security Disability attorney will be able to answer these, assisting you in every step.

Social Security Disability is one of the benefits in the comprehensive federal benefits program that also provides workers with retirement income, Medicare, family benefits, and survivors' benefits. This program is funded with withholding FICA taxes from an employee's paycheck. These amounts are matched by the employer. The Social Security Administration reviews, pays and governs Disability Benefits. The Social Security Disability Act includes the law that governs a person's qualification for benefits.

Disability Eligibility

The basic requirement to qualify for Social Security Disability is that you have become disabled and unable to work in the occupation you did before and Social Security decides that you cannot adjust to other work due to your medical condition. Your disability must be expected to last for at least one year or will result in death. Only total disability is covered by Social Security Disability and there is no coverage for partial or short-term disability.

Social Security has a specific evaluation process to determine your eligibility for disability benefits under federal standards. This includes previous and current work activity, your medical condition and how the condition impacts your ability to work. In addition to this, earning tests are also reviewed to see which type of Social Security Benefits your and your family may be eligible for.

Earning Tests must be met by Federal law to collect disability benefits. Work credits are built up under the Social Security rules. Credits needed are determined on your age and the year in which you become disabled. The tests are often called the "recent work" test, and the "duration of work" tests. Certain blind workers will only need to meet the "duration of work" test.