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» Frequently Asked Questions |
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Page 1 of 2  Social Security Questions
1. How does Social Security define disability?
A disabled person is someone who is unable to work at all or can only work at a very minimal level due to a mental or physical impairment. This physical or mental impairment must have been severe for at least a year or be expected to last that long.
| 2. What is the difference between "Social Security (SS) Disability Benefits" and "Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Disability Benefits"? Both are benefits paid to disabled people by Social Security. As a general rule, the SS Disability Benefits are paid to disabled people who have worked at least five of the last ten years. These folks have paid into the system through payroll taxes which operate as a sort of insurance premium. As a result, they are entitled to a monthly benefit based on the amount paid in. SSI Benefits are paid to disabled people whose SS monthly benefit is very low or who aren't entitled to SS benefits because they did not contribute enough through payroll taxes. SSI benefits are paid based on need so only very low income people can get it.
| 3. How do I apply for Social Security benefits? You can start the application by calling the toll-free Social Security number, 1-800-772-1213. It is an automated system so you will need to listen carefully and follow the prompts until you finally reach a person who will take down important information about you and schedule a phone interview to gather the rest of the information. The application and other forms will be completed and mailed to you for your review and signature.
In the alternative, you can go into your local Social Security office and complete all of the paperwork at one time. You should be prepared to provide information about what type of work you have been doing for the last 15 years and where you have received medical treatment for the last couple of years. However, the wait at the Social Security office can be an hour or more.
| 4. How much Social Security will I get if I am approved? This depends on how much you paid in through payroll taxes while you were working. The more money you paid in, the higher the benefit.
| 5. I was denied benefits by Social Security, what do I do now?
If you believe that you cannot work because of your disability, you should appeal the denial. The denial gives instructions on how to do this. You generally have 65 days from the date of the denial to appeal. Contact an attorney or your local Social Security office to get the appeal forms.
| 6. I know someone else who got benefits quickly and I don’t think he is half as disabled as I am, how can that be?
Many disabilities are not immediately apparent to the eye, like heart problems or mental disorders. If this person has medical records and other evidence that document a severe health problem that prevents work, then he or she is entitled to the benefits.
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