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While many of us dream of a time when we won't have to work, few of us have considered the possibility of an illness or an injury keeping us from our jobs. A surprising number of people suffer from disabilities that affect their ability to work, and many become disabled before they reach retirement age. Because most people don't plan for such a disability, programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) exist to help disabled workers and families manage their lives should an untimely injury or illness occur. FindLaw's Social Security Disability section has articles covering a wide variety of topics concerning disability filing and benefits.

This section provides information on common Social Security Disability issues like determining whether you are eligible for benefits, what constitutes a disability, and how Social Security Disability is defined. You can also find detailed materials on how to file for Social Security Disability, what might happen at a disability hearing, how much you may be entitled to, and how to appeal a disability judgment.

Social Security Disability Benefits

Depending on your employment and financial status the Social Security Administration (SSA) has two programs that can provide disability benefits. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is funded by deductions from paychecks and can be a resource for workers who have paid into the system. Supplemental Security Income (SSI), on the other hand, can provide benefits for low-income individuals, children, and the blind. The majority of disability benefits take the form of payments intended to replace lost income.

Eligibility for Disability Benefits

"Disabled" for the purposes of claiming SSDI or SSI benefits means you have a condition that prevents you from earning a minimum monthly income as a full-time employee. The listed disability must also have either lasted or is expected to last for 12 continuous months, or is expected to result in death.

There is an official listing of medical impairments maintained by the SSA and referred to as the "Blue Book" of approved medical conditions. This list includes, but is not limited to:

  • Chronic coronary disease
  • Mental disorders such as autism, anxiety, and depression
  • Hearing or vision loss
  • Parkinson's disease

Each disability case is considered on an individual basis. Therefore, you may still be eligible even if your condition is not listed above or in the Blue Book.

The Disability Application Process

A claim for disability benefits can be completed online, in person, or over the telephone. Before beginning, you should prepare the necessary documents and information in advance, including income tax statements, the names of prescription medications, and the dates of all medical procedures and therapy sessions. This will ensure the process goes more smoothly. The links below can provide an in-depth guide to the SSDI/SSI application, hearing, and appeals process, including the necessary forms.

Finding a Disability Attorney

Attorneys are generally not involved in most Social Security disability hearings or reconsiderations. However, if you have a complex claim or would like legal assistance or representation during the hearing or appeals process, an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer could help.

Read more

Recent Topics

  • After Applying for Social Security Disability FAQ
    By Aaron Hotfelder, J.D., University of Missouri School of Law

    Answer to your questions on working after receiving benefits, continuing disability reviews, and benefit overpayments. ...

  • Applying for Disability Benefits

    Applying for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration can be a challenging process for recently disabled workers, especially if the disability makes otherwise normal daily activities difficult. Eligibility for Social Security Disab...

  • Are You Eligible For Social Security Disability?
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    A look at the eligibility requirements for Social Security disability. Lean how the SSA determines eligibility, how to prove your disability, how to get help with the SSA benefits application process, and more.

  • Can I Work and Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits?
    By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney

    Whether you can work and claim disability depends on how many hours you are working and how much money you make. ...

  • Disability Reconsideration: Appealing a Denied Claim
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    A look at reconsideration, the first step of the social security disability appeals process. Find information on how to file a disability reconsideration request and what to do if your reconsideration is denied.

  • Do You Need a Disability Benefits Attorney?
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    Find out why it’s important to have an attorney on your side when handling a benefits issue. Learn about the advantages of having an attorney help you with your benefits case and how to find the attorney who is right for you.

  • How Big Will My Social Security Disability Benefit Be?
    By Bethany K. Laurence, Attorney

    Your monthly Social Security disability benefit amount is based on your lifetime earnings, averaged over many years. ...

  • SSDI & SSI: Definition of 'Disabled'
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    Once you file a Social Security disability claim with the Social Security Administration (SSA), the SSA will determine your eligibility for the program (based on age, employment, marital status or Social Security coverage information), and then the S...

  • How to File for Social Security Disability
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    An overview of how to claim Social Security disability benefits. Learn about the information you’ll need to provide, how to apply for benefits online, by telephone, or in person, and more.

  • How to Prove Disability
    Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors.

    A guide to proving a disability when applying for SSDI or SSI benefits. In this article, you’ll find a number of tips on how to prove your disability, including keeping a detailed journal of your activities and keeping copies of your medical records.

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