"Responsive, personal and effective disability representation."
GENERAL DISABILITY INFORMATION
A Closer Look at the Social Security
Disability Program
There are
two programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that pay
disability benefits to people who are under 65 who can no longer work. The medical eligibility requirements are the
same for both programs but there are important differences that will determine
which program you qualify for.
Social Security
Disability Insurance (SSDI or Title II)
This program
is for people who have worked and paid FICA taxes. Your work record is used to determine whether
you qualify. This program is NOT based
on financial need. You have to work long
enough and recently enough to be covered by this insurance.
This program
is for people who have little or no money or assets. Cash assets are limited to $2,000 for
individuals and $3,000 for couples. These asset limits exclude your home and one personal vehicle. This program, IS based on financial need.
Medical Determination (both programs follow the same)
Once you
meet the non-medical requirements of one or both of the programs Above, you
must prove that you are disabled according to the definition found in the
law. Sec. 223 (d)(1)(a) of the Social
Security Act defines disability as:
"The inability to engage in
any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable
physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which
has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than
12 months."
From this
definition you can see that this is not intended to be a "short term" disability program. In order to qualify
you must be prevented from working for twelve consecutive months, and must have
medical evidence of your physical or psychological condition(s).
Information
on the application process and how the Social Security Administration
determines if you are disabled can be found by selecting the topics below.
