how to disability benefits

The Disability Application Process.

• You gather the information and documents you need to apply. We recommend you print and review the Adult Disability Checklist. It will help you gather ...
• You complete and submit your application.
• We review your application to make sure you meet some basic requirements for disability benefits.
• We check whether you worked enough years to qualify.
• We evaluate any current work activities.
• We process your application and forward your case to the Disability Determination Services office in your state.
• This State agency makes the disability determination decision.

Full Answer

How to maximize your disability benefits?

If you qualify for Social Security disability checks, keep in mind:

• The amount you receive is based on a formula.
• Life changes could impact your disability eligibility.
• There may be other ways to receive assistance.

How do we help get you disability benefits?

Provincial and territorial disability benefits

• Social assistance. These payments will depend on your household income, savings and investments. ...
• Workers’ compensation. You may be able to get compensation from the Workers’ Compensation Board if you're a victim of a work accident or have a work-related illness.
• Provincial and territorial resources. ...

How to know if you are eligible for disability benefits?

• Were discharged for a disability that was caused—or made worse—by your active-duty service, or
• Were discharged for a hardship or “early out,” or
• Served prior to September 7, 1980

How do I know if I am eligible for disability benefits?

One can determine whether or not they're eligible for Social Security disability benefits if they think that they might meet a medical listing. There are also 100 compassionate allowance listings that are listed by statute, and if you fall under one of those maladies, then you can be easily accepted.

What conditions are considered a disability?

The legal definition of “disability” states that a person can be considered disabled if they are unable to perform any substantial gainful activity due to a medical or physical impairment or impairments which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of ...

How do they determine your disability benefits?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will determine your payment based on your lifetime average earnings before you became disabled. Your benefit amount will be calculated using your covered earnings. These are your earnings at jobs where your employer took money out of your wages for Social Security or FICA.

What's the most a person can get on disability?

According to theSocial Security Administration (SSA), the maximum monthly Social Security Disability benefit is $3,345 per month in 2022-up from $3,148 in 202. This number is also the maximum monthly amount people who have reached full retirement age can receive for their monthly Social Security retirement payment.

What are the chances of getting approved for disability?

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the average acceptance rate of initial applications is 22 percent, and approximately 63 percent of SSDI applications are denied. Understanding why these applications are not approved may help you be successful if you need to apply for benefits.

What is the average time to get approved for disability?

about 3 to 5 monthsGenerally, it takes about 3 to 5 months to get a decision. However, the exact time depends on how long it takes to get your medical records and any other evidence needed to make a decision. * How does Social Security make the decision? We send your application to a state agency that makes disability decisions.

Can you work while on disability?

Can You Work While on SSDI? Generally, SSDI recipients can't do what's considered "substantial gainful activity" (SGA) and continue to receive disability benefits. In a nutshell, doing SGA means you're working and making more than $1,350 per month in 2022 (or $2,260 if you're blind).

Does disability pay more than Social Security?

In general, SSDI pays more than SSI. Based on data from 2020: The average SSDI payment is $1,258 per month. The average SSI payment is $575 per month.

What is the highest paying state for disability?

The highest paying states for SSI benefits as of 2022 are New Jersey, Connecticut, Delaware, New Hampshire and Maryland....The breakout for those states are as followed:New Jersey: $1,689 per month.Connecticut: $1,685 per month.Delaware: $1,659 per month.New Hampshire: $1,644 per month.Maryland: $1,624 per month.

Who Can Apply For Adult Disability Benefits Online?

You can use the online application to apply for disability benefits if you: 1. Are age 18 or older; 2. Are not currently receiving benefits on your...

How Do I Apply For Benefits?

Here is what you need to do to apply for benefits online: 1. Print and review the Adult Disability Checklist It will help you gather the informatio...

What Information Do I Need to Apply For Benefits?

We suggest that you have the following information at hand. It will make completing the application much easier.

Information About Your Work

1. The amount of money earned last year and this year 2. The name and address of your employer(s) for this year and last year 3. A copy of your Soc...

What Documents Do I Need to provide?

We may ask you to provide documents to show that you are eligible, such as: 1. Birth certificate or other proof of birth; 2. Proof of U.S. citizens...

What Are The Advantages of Applying Using Our Online Disability Application Process?

Our online disability application process offers several advantages. You can: 1. Start your disability claim immediately. There is no need to wait...

What Happens After I Apply?

After we receive your online application, we will: 1. Provide confirmation of your application- either electronically or by mail. 2. Review the app...

What Other Ways Can I Apply?

You can also apply: 1. By phone - Call us at 1-800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you ca...

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance

If you can't work because you are sick or injured, disability insurance will pay part of your income. You may be able to get insurance through your...

Social Security Benefits for People with Disabilities

If you have a disability, Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income may help financially. To find out if you’re eligibl...

Health Insurance and Health Resources for People with Disabilities

Find information about health insurance and resources for people with disabilities.Health Coverage for People With DisabilitiesIf you have a disabi...

VA Disability Compensation Benefits

Veterans who have a service-related injury or illness may be entitled to VA disability compensation. It’s a tax-free monthly benefit.Visit VA.gov t...

What is the work incentive for Social Security?

There are also a number of special rules, called "work incentives," that provide continued benefits and health care coverage to help you make the transition back to work. If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, ...

When do child benefits stop?

The child's benefits normally stop at age 18 unless he or she is a full-time student in an elementary or high school (benefits can continue until age 19) or is disabled.

Can you do work you did before?

You cannot do work that you did before because of your medical condition. You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition. Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death. This is a strict definition of disability.

Does Social Security pay for partial disability?

Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability. We consider you disabled under Social Security rules if all of the following are true: You cannot do work that you did before because of your medical condition.

How do I apply for disability benefits?

You can apply for Disability benefits online, or if you are unable to complete the application online, you can apply by calling our toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

How long does it take to get SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits have a five month waiting period, which means that benefit payments will not begin before the sixth full month of disability. The SSDI waiting period begins the first full month after the date we decide your disability began.

When will I get my ALS disability?

There is no waiting period if your disability results from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and you are approved for SSDI benefits on or after July 23, 2020. We pay Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits for the first full month after the date you filed your claim, or, if later, the date you become eligible for SSI.

How long does a disability policy last?

Types of Disability Policies. There are two types of disability policies. Short-term policies may pay for up to two years. Most last for a few months to a year. Long-term policies may pay benefits for a few years or until the disability ends. Employers who offer coverage may provide short-term coverage, long-term coverage, or both.

How long does disability last on Social Security?

To qualify for either program, you must meet SSA’s definition of disability : You’re unable to do substantial gainful activity (work) Your disability is expected to last for at least one year or result in death. Your impairment is on Social Security’s list of disabling medical conditions.

What is SSDI for spouse?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Social Security Disability Insurance ( SSDI) is for people who have become disabled after earning enough Social Security work credits within a certain time. Your spouse or former spouse and your children may be eligible for benefits when you start getting SSDI. You can apply for SSDI benefits online, by ...

What happens if you can't work?

If you can't work because you are sick or injured, disability insurance will pay part of your income. You may be able to get insurance through your employer. You can also buy your own policy.

How long does it take to get SSDI?

You can apply for SSDI benefits online, by phone, or in person . If your application is approved, you’ll have a five-month waiting period for benefits to start. If your application is denied, you can appeal the decision.

How do I apply for SSI?

How to Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Adults can apply for SSI by phone, in person at a local Social Security office, or in some cases online. To apply for SSI for a child, you can start the process online but will need to complete it either in person or by phone.

Is SSI a Social Security benefit?

SSI is not Social Security. Although the names sound similar and the Social Security Administration runs the program, it does not fund SSI.

What is Social Security Disability?

Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are "insured," meaning that you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Supplemental Security Income pays benefits based on financial need.

What is the largest federal program for people with disabilities?

Benefits for People with Disabilities. The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration ...

How You Apply

You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. If you are ready to apply now, you can:

More Help For Filing Your Claim

Our Disability Starter Kit will help you get ready for your disability interview or online application. Starter kits are available in English or Spanish for adults and children under age 18.

If Your Application Is Denied

After we review your application and the information you provided, we may decide you do not meet the qualifications for disability benefits.

What is VA disability compensation?

VA disability compensation. VA disability compensation (pay) offers a monthly tax-free payment to Veterans who got sick or injured while serving in the military and to Veterans whose service made an existing condition worse. You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions ...

What is VA DIC?

Compensation benefits for a surviving spouse and dependents (VA DIC) Learn about getting VA disability benefits as a surviving spouse, dependent child, or parent.

Can you get VA disability for mental health?

You may qualify for VA disability benefits for physical conditions (like a chronic illness or injury) and mental health conditions (like PTSD) that developed before, during, or after service. Find out how to apply for and manage the Veterans disability benefits you've earned.

Can I receive disability benefits from OPM and the Department of Labor's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP) at the same time?

In general, you should decide which benefit is most advantageous for you, and elect to receive that one. If you decide you want to receive OWCP benefits, then payments from OPM will be suspended. But if your OWCP benefits stop, then you can ask OPM to pay your disability benefit.

I'm receiving a Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) disability benefit. Will my benefit ever change?

There are at least two scenarios statutorily that your FERS disability benefit can change.

If my disability benefit stops, can it ever be reinstated?

Yes. If your disability benefit stopped because you were found recovered either medically or administratively, then your benefit can resume only if the disability recurs and you do not exceed the 80 percent earnings limitation.

Do I have to get periodic medical exams to keep my disability benefit?

When we approve your application for disability retirement, we may determine that based on your medical condition you will periodically have to provide us with current medical information in order to continue receiving benefits.

Submit a help request

We will email you in 3 to 5 business days with a response. Please do not call us for an update before you receive this email.

Write to us

Please make sure your first and last name, phone number, email address, claim number, and signature are included in any inquiries or documents you mail to us. We usually respond within 1 to 3 weeks after we receive your mail.

Visit us in person

You can meet with one of our Customer Service Specialists in person. We serve walk-ins on a first come, first served basis—no appointment necessary.