Disability Eligibility

There are two types of Social Security disability benefits:

1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are available for insured workers, their disabled surviving spouses and children (disabled before age 22) of disabled, retired or deceased workers.

2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are available for disabled people with little or no income and recourses.

To be considered �disabled� under the Social Security�s strict definition:

� You must be unable to do any substantial work before of your medical condition(s); and

� Your medical condition(s) must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months, or be expected to result in your death.

There are many different disabilities that can fit this definition. Disabilities can be to the musculoskeletal system, senses and speech, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, neurological, mental disorders, immune system, and the list goes on and on. It is therefore important that you list all of your disabilities and impairments, no matter how small. This is because the Social Security Administration will look at all of your disabilities to determine if you meet the definition of �disabled� under their rules.

What if my doctor says I am disabled?

Even if your doctor says you are disabled, it is not enough, by itself, to qualify you for disability benefits. You must still meet the Social Security�s definition of �disabled.�

If I get disability payments through another program, does that make me eligible for Social Security Benefits?

Some people get disability benefits though an insurance plan, their employer, or another government agency. This does not qualify persons for Social Security disability payments. This is because Social Security disability laws are different from the rules in most other programs. As examples, Social Security does not provide �short term� (less than 12 months) disability benefits, and does not provide benefits for partial disabilities.

How does Social Security determine if I am disabled?

After a claimant�s application is received, the Social Security Administration sends it to a state agency that makes the disability determination. The state agency requests your medical records and works with medical and vocational experts to evaluate your claim. The state agency may also ask you to attend a medical or psychological examination. You will not have to pay for this, but be sure to keep your appointment. If you miss the appointment, it is grounds for the state agency to deny your application.

Steve Fields is author of this article on MN disability benefits. Find more information about Social security disability here.