Questions About Your Disability Benefits

How much in SSDI disability benefits can I get?

The amount of Social Security disability you receive each month is based on your average lifetime earnings before your disability began.

If I get approved for disability, how far back will Social Security pay me?

How much you'll get in disability back payments depends on when you applied, when you became disabled, and whether you're getting SSDI or SSI.

Does Medicare or Medicaid come with disability benefits?

If you're approved for disability benefits, you'll also get Medicare or Medicaid, depending on whether you receive SSDI or SSI benefits.

Can money be taken out of my disability benefits?

Disability benefits can sometimes be taken to pay child support, federal debts, divorce settlements, and taxes.

If I am approved for SSDI, will my child or children get benefits?

Whether your child or children will get Social Security benefits depends on which disability benefits you've been approved for (SSDI or SSI).

How long does it take to get disability benefits?

It can take a month to two years to get approved for disability benefits. The more serious your disability is, the more likely you are to get approved quickly.

Can I get expedited disability benefits?

Social Security will expedite the disability process for certain serious medical conditions.

Will My Student Loans Be Forgiven if I'm Approved for Disability Benefits?

If I'm approved, can I get my student loans forgiven?

Can a Retired Person Also Collect Social Security Disability?

Social Security disability insurance is really a form of early retirement benefits, so you can't receive both at the same time.

Retired Early? Social Security Disability Eligibility

Many early retirees collect SSDI when they can no longer work.

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability: Getting & Keeping Your Benefits

Nolo's book covers the benefits you can expect plus each of Social Security's expedited disability programs as well as what you can do to speed up your claim.

Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions: Get the Most out of Your Retirement & Medical Benefits

Nolo's book covers all of the benefits available to those dealing with chronic illnesses including disability benefits, survivors' benefits, and Medicare.