Social Security Disability Information

Social Security Disability Information

The largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities is the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs. Although these two programs are dissimilar in a lot of ways, they both are administered by the Social Security Administration and the only individuals who may qualify for benefits under these programs are those who have disability and meet the medical criteria.

People who apply for either of the program will submit medical and other information to be decided upon whether or not they meet the definition of disability. Social Security disability information on the definition of disability is based on inability to work.

The Social Security Rules on disability defines, people who cannot do work that they did before and cannot adjust to other work because of the medical condition(s). The disability must also last, be expected to last for at least a year, or to result in death. This is a strict definition of disability followed by the Social Security program.

The Social Security Program Rules presuppose that working families have access to other resources to provide support during times of short-term disabilities, including insurance, savings, worker's compensation, and investments. The Social Security disability information on definition of disability is very different than other programs; Social Security only pays for total disability and no benefits are payable for short-term disability or partial disability.

The Social Security Disability Insurance pays benefits to the person or certain members of the family if the person have been "insured", which means that they have worked long enough and paid their Social Security taxes. Social Security disability information on this program states that to qualify for benefits, the person must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, and must have a disability or medical condition that meets the Social Security's definition of disability. Generally, the Social Security pays monthly cash benefits to people who are not able to work for a year or more due to disability. The benefits will usually continue until the person is able to work again on a regular basis. A number of special rules called "work incentives" also provide continued health care coverage and benefits that assists in the persons transition back to work. For person receiving Social Security disability benefits when they reach the full retirement age, the disability benefits automatically is change to retirement benefits but the amount stays the same.

Social Security disability information on disability program, other programs, and benefits can also be found in their website SocialSecurityOnline. The site gives comprehensive information on common questions and information such as how to apply for programs, benefits planner, direct deposit, Medicare/Medicaid, kids insurance, Social Security Handbook, Electronic Disability Guide, and more.