Getting Social Security Disability

Are You Considered Legally Disabled by Social Security?

An overview of Social Security's definition of disabled, how they determine who is disabled, and who should be eligible for monthly benefits.

Requirements for Social Security Disability Work Credits

To collect SSDI benefits, you must have worked enough (and paid enough FICA taxes) to qualify.

What Is a Continuing Disability Review?

If you're receiving disability benefits from Social Security, the SSA may occasionally "check up" on you to make sure you are still eligible for monthly payments.

SSI Disability Eligibility: Income Limits

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a disability benefit available to those with very low income and little in assets. Here are the rules on financial eligibility.

Filing for Expedited Reinstatement of Disability Benefits

If you collected SSDI benefits previously, but began working, you may be able to "restart" your monthly benefits much more quickly by filing for expedited reinstatement.

The Social Security Blue Book - Listing of Impairments

The Blue Book covers both physical and mental impairments, and it discusses many serious diseases that can be disabling.

Quick Disability Determinations for SSDI and SSI

Some easy-to-determine medical claims are computer-sorted into the quick disability determination program for streamlined processing.

Will Alcohol or Drug Addiction Affect My Disability Claim?

Claimants struggling with drug addiction or alcoholism can still win disability benefits, as long as the substance abuse does not affect the primary disabling medical condition(s).

The Social Security Disability Appeals Process

After an initial denial, disability applicants have several step of appeals available. Here's an introduction to the process.

Should You Reapply or Appeal a Denied Disability Application?

It's rarely a good idea to reapply after the initial application denial. Social Security Disability cases are more often won at the later stages of the process.

What Happens at the Social Security Disability Hearing?

If your Social Security disability application and request for consideration has been denied, the next step is the hearing. Here's what to expect.

What Does the Disability Appeals Council Do?

The Disability Appeals Council reviews decisions made by administrative law judges (ALJs) at Social Security disability hearings, and may help claimants who've been denied benefits by a judge.

How Long Will It Take to Appeal a Denial of Disability Benefits?

You can expect to wait many months to successfully appeal a denial of Social Security disability benefits. Here's a breakdown of how long it can take.

Your Chances of Winning Disability on Appeal After an Initial Denial

If your initial disability application was denied, it's time to start the appeals process.

Tips to Win Social Security Disability at Appeal

If your application for Social Security disability was denied, you might have a good chance of being approved for benefits through the appeals process. Here’s clear guidance to help you.

Can a Dire Need Letter Speed Up My Appeal of a Disability Denial?

If your disability application has been denied, writing a "dire need" letter (under appropriate circumstances) can help get your appeal hearing scheduled more quickly.

Necessary Medical Evidence for Social Security Disability Claims

In order to win social security disability benefits, you'll need evidence to back up your claim that you can't work.

What Do I Need From My Doctor to File for Disability Benefits?

The right medical records and statement from your doctor will go a long way in getting approved for disability benefits.

Filing for Disability Without a Doctor's Support

If your doctor won't support you in your attempt to get Social Security Disability benefits, your case may be harder to win, but not impossible.

Eligibility for Disability Benefits Through a Medical-Vocational Allowance

If you don't meet a Social Security disability listing, you can still win benefits by showing you can’t do any type of job.

What Is Your Residual Functional Capacity?

As part of their disability determination, Social Security may assess your RFC, which represents the work that you can do despite the limitations caused by your impairment.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) for Social Security Disability

Social Security will not consider you disabled if you are doing a substantial amount of work or if it thinks you could do a substantial amount of work.

I Got Permanent Partial Disability; Can I Get Social Security Disability?

If you receive permanent partial disability benefits from a workers' compensation claim—or you received a settlement—you may be able to collect disability benefits from Social Security.

How to Get Disability Benefits If Self-Employed

Self-employed people who pay taxes are just as eligible for SSDI benefits as if they were employed by another person or company.

How "In-Kind" Income Affects SSI Disability Benefits

"In-kind income" and “in-kind support and maintenance" is assistance you receive from family or other people that may count towards the income limit that determines eligibility for SSI disability benefits.