Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability Benefits

What is the definition of disability used by the Social Security Administration?Read more

How do I apply for Social Security disability benefits?Read more

How long do I have to wait after becoming disabled before I can file for Social Security disability benefits?Read more

Do I have to wait until my sick leave is exhausted before I file a disability claim?Read more

Can I file a claim while I am receiving Worker’s Compensation?Read more

Can I get both Worker’s Compensation and Social Security disability benefits?Read more

I am disabled now, but I expect that I will be able to return to work after I recover. Should I file for Social Security disability benefits?Read more

Can a stay-at-home mom receive disability benefits?Read more

How can I tell if I will be found disabled by Social Security?Read more

What diseases qualify a person for Social Security disability benefits?Read more

Can a mental illness serve as the basis for a Social Security disability claim?Read more

I have several health problems, but no one of them disables me. It is the combination that disables me. Can I get Social Security disability benefits?Read more

My doctor says I am disabled. Will I automatically qualify disability benefits?Read more

If the Veterans Administration (VA) says I am disabled, will I automatically qualify for disability benefits?Read more

If I am 70% disabled, do I get 70% of my Social Security disability benefits?Read more

How does Social Security determine if I am disabled?Read more

Who decides if I am disabled?Read more

What can I do to improve my chances of winning my Social Security disability claim?Read more

How long does it take before Social Security makes a decision once I file a claim for Social Security disability benefits?Read more

If I am approved for Social Security disability benefits, how much will I get paid?Read more

How much does it cost to have Disability Specialists help me?Read more

What are the primary disability programs under Social Security?Read more

How do I establish non-medical entitlement to these programs?Read more

What is a medically determinable impairment?Read more

What is a Protective Filing Date (PFD)?Read more

What is an Alleged Onset Date (AOD)?Read more

What is a Date Last Insured (DLI) and what effect does it have on a claim for Title II benefits?Read more

What is a CE?Read more

What are forms commonly requested by DDS?Read more

I got a notice of decision stating I was not found disabled, what next?Read more

I missed my appeal deadline. Do I have any options?Read more

What types of Social Security disability benefits are there?Read more

Is there a list of illnesses that Social Security considers disabling?Read more

Why does Social Security consider my age in determining whether I am disabled?Read more

What do I do if Social Security denies my claim for Social Security disability benefits?Read more

Why does Social Security turn down so many claims for disability benefits?Read more

I only want to get back the money I put in Social Security.  Why do they make it so hard for me to get my own money back?Read more

What is reconsideration?Read more

Who makes the reconsideration determination?Read more


What are my chances of winning at reconsideration?Read more

Do I have to go through reconsideration?Read more

What is the Social Security hearing like?Read more

What are my chances of winning at a hearing?Read more

If the Administrative Law Judge denies my claim, can I appeal any more?Read more

What is the Appeals Council?Read more

Can I appeal a case beyond Social Security to the Federal Courts?Read more

If I get on Social Security disability benefits and get feeling better and want to return to work, can I return to work?Read more

Do I really have to hire someone to assist me with my Social Security disability claim?Read more

Can alcoholics and drug addicts get Social Security disability benefits?Read more

I know someone who is on Social Security disability and he does not look a bit disabled.  Why do they put all of these freeloaders on benefits?Read more

Can I get Social Security disability benefits even if I’ve never held a job and had FICA taken from my paycheck?Read more

I am a widow.  I have not worked for many years.  I am disabled.  Can I get Social Security disability benefits?Read more

I have a daughter who has been disabled by cerebral palsy since birth and has never been able to work.  Can she get disability benefits from Social Security?Read more

I am already on Social Security disability benefits, but I am worried that my benefits will be stopped in the future.  What are the chances of this happening?Read more

If Social Security tries to cut off my disability benefits, what can I do?Read more

Will it help if I ask my Congressional Representative to help me get Social Security disability benefits?Read more

I am disabled.  I need help with medical bills even more than I need a cash income.  How do I get help with medical bills?Read more

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?Read more

If I get Social Security disability benefits will I get Medicare?Read more

If I get Social Security disability benefits will I get Medicaid?Read more

How far back will Social Security pay benefits if I am found disabled?Read more

Do I have to wait until all my money is gone before I apply for Social Security disability benefits?Read more