SSDRC




What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI?

How do you Win Benefits under Social Security Disability or SSI?

If I am determined disabled, how far back will Social Security pay benefits?

How do you prove your disability case if you have a mental condition?

What Can I Do to Improve My Chances of Winning Disability Benefits

Common Mistakes after Receiving a Denial of Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits

How to File for Disability - Tips for Filing

If You Get Approved For SSDI Will You Also Get Medicare?

How much does a Social Security disability attorney get paid?

Social Security Disability SSI Criteria and the Evaluation Process

How long does it take to be approved for SSI or Social Security disability?

What do you Need to Prove to Qualify for Disability Benefits?

Social Security Disability SSI and Fibromyalgia

Social Security Disability SSI and Degenerative Disc Disease

Can I Qualify For Disability and Receive Benefits based on Depression?

Answers to questions about SSD and SSI disability

What Disabilities Qualify for SSI and Social Security Disability Benefits?

Social Security Disability Status

Social Security Disability Tips — how a claim gets worked on

Social Security Disability, SSI Disability - Terms, Definitions, Concepts


Can I Get SSDI Disability If I have Not Worked Before?


How to prove you are disabled
and win disability benefits

 
The Social Security Administration has two disability programs to help disabled individuals. Social Security disability, or SSDI, is based upon insured status that is achieved through work activity, whereas Supplemental Security Income disability (SSI) is based upon need. If you have not worked or you have not worked for a long time, you may be eligible to receive SSI disability benefits.

That is, of course, if you meet the income and resource limits needed to qualify for SSI disability and you are found medically disabled. Yes, SSI has income and resource limits like most other Social assistance programs.

Other than non-disability factors, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability have the same medical determination process. All disability claims begin with an application in which the disability applicant provides information about their conditions, medical sources, medication, education, and work history. Once the disability interview is completed, the disability case is sent to a state agency for a medical determination.

If an individual is approved for SSI disability benefits, their disability claim will be sent back to the local Social Security office for an end line review. These interviews are used to review the applicant's income and resources, as well as to establish the applicant’s living arrangements. If the applicant meets the SSI income and resource limits, they are eligible for SSI disability benefits.

However, the amount of their SSI disability benefits will be determined by their living arrangements. SSI beneficiaries must pay their share of the household bills, in the home in which they reside, in order to receive the full SSI benefit amount. If they fail to pay what the social security administration considers their share of the household bills, their SSI benefits will be reduced.














Return to:  SSDRC, or the Questions, Answers, Tips, and Advice page












Individual Questions and Answers


  • The chances of winning a social security hearing for disability benefits?

  • How does social security disability define work quarters ?

  • SSI for children

  • How long can you receive SSI or Social Security disability benefits ?

  • Preparing for a Disability Hearing to Win Social Security or SSI Benefits

  • What is the maximum fee a Social Security disability attorney can charge?

  • What types of information is Social Security Disability looking for?

  • Applying for disability benefits in Missouri

  • Disability Status - when should I call to check

  • What Disabilities Qualify for SSI and Social Security Disability Benefits?

  • What makes you entitled to receive disability benefits under SSI or SSD?

  • What kind of Final Decision can I receive on my Disability Application?

  • The Social Security Denial Letter

  • Medical Disability Requirements for SSD and SSI

  • How long does it take to get a social security disability hearing decision?

  • What is an extended period of eligibility for social security disability or SSI ?

  • What are social security disability denials based on, your medical or work history?

  • The Social Security Disability Doctor Appointment is Called a CE

  • Medicare and Social Security Disability - Basic Facts

  • When does social security consider you eligible for disability benefits?

  • How Disabling Does A Condition Have To Be For Social Security, SSDI Benefits?

  • How Long Can You Receive Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI)?

  • Eligibility for Disability Benefits as Viewed by Social Security

  • Does The Social Security Judge Use The Same Rules As The Disability Examiner?

  • Social Security Disability SSI Terms and Definitions

  • Social Security Disability Medical Evaluation Form, Can A Doctor Be Forced to Complete One?

  • Social Security Disability Lawyers - Fees and Representation Information

  • Do Most Social Security Disability Reconsiderations Get Turned Down?

  • How To Get SSDI Approved

  • Does Your Last Job Determine If You Receive A Social Security or SSI Award?

  • The Decision on the Social Security Disability Claim or SSI Claim

  • Social Security Disability SSI and the Onset Date

  • What Can You Do TO Make Sure Your Social Security Disability Reconsideration Gets Approved?

  • If you are denied for disability, is this based on your ability to do your past work?

  • Can You Get Approved For Social Security Disability If You Do Not Take Medication Or Go To a Doctor?

  • Qualifying for Disability - What is Social Security Looking for?

  • The Difference Between Social Security Disability and SSI Really Involves Work Activity

  • What is the process for approving a Social Security disability claim ?

  • Social Security Disability SSI - Mental and Physical Residual Functional Capacity

  • Applying for Disability - what are the rules?

  • Why is it Taking so Long to get a Court Date with the ALJ, the Social Security Disability Judge?

  • Receiving Benefits - Your Medical Condition and Social Security Disability or SSI

  • Is there a list of conditions that will Qualify you for Disability Benefits?

  • How Often Does Social Security Disability Review Cases?

  • Who qualifies for disability benefits ?

  • Social Security Denial - What should be done if your disability is denied?

  • How Long Does it Take To Get An Answer On A Social Security Application For Disability?

  • Hiring a Qualified Disability Lawyer in Arkansas

  • What If I Do Not Have Enough Work Credits For Social Security Benefits?

  • Common Mistakes after Receiving a Denial of Social Security Disability or SSI Benefits

  • Does Social Security Disability prefer Current Medical Records for SSDI and SSI claims?

  • How do you Win Benefits under Social Security Disability?

  • Will I Qualify For SSI, How Do I Get Approved?

  • Are you allowed to work at all if you get Social Security disability or SSI ?
























    SSD and SSI are Federal Programs

    The title II Social Security Disability and title 16 SSI Disability programs operate under federal guidelines and, therefore, the program requirements--medical and non-medical--apply to all states:

    Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming

    Recent approval and denial statistics for various states can be viewed here:

    Social Security Disability, SSI Approval and Denial Statistics by state

    Special Section: Disability Lawyers and unnecessary claim denials