What are Social Security Disability (SSD) Benefits?
If you cannot continue working due to a disabling physical or mental condition, you may be eligible for SSD benefits. This is a very difficult time in your life; you are being forced to leave the workforce and are most likely facing financial hardship.
The Social Security Administration provides benefits to individuals who are physically or mentally unable to work and are in need of income. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly benefits to the disabled who meet low-income requirements. The Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSD or a SSDI) pays monthly benefits to the disabled who have worked enough years to qualify.
What qualifies as a disability?
The Social Security Administration defines disability as the "inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months." In simpler terms, you are disabled if you are unable to work due to an illness or medical condition that is life threatening or is expected to continue to be disabling for one year.
Please visit these pages for additional information on Social Security Disability (SSD)
- Eligibility for SSD
- How to apply for SSD
- How long does it take to get an initial decision on my claim?
- How to file an appeal after you have been denied
- Understanding your denial
- What to do when you are denied benefits
- Time line for a hearing
- Can you expedite your hearing?
- Do I need an attorney to help me?
- Can I work and collect SSD?
- SSD and drug and alcohol abuse
- How can I improve my chances of receiving SSD?
- How do other benefits affect SSD?
- Health Insurance and SSD
When should you apply?
As soon as you and your doctors agree that your disability is going to last a full year, you should apply for Social Security Disability benefits. Many people falsely believe you must wait until after the 12 months without work, but the truth is that as soon as you believe you will be disabled for a year, you should apply.
Please click here to find a Social Security office in your area. We are happy to help people from across Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. Although it is not mandatory that you use an attorney to file for Social Security Disability (SSD), having our experienced SSD attorneys on your side can help you get through the system as quickly and painlessly as possible. You do not have to file on your own and wait to be denied before you consult with a lawyer to help you obtain benefits. Contact us today for a free consultation.
