Social Security Disability

An Overview of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Here's a basic introduction to how Social Security Disability works.

What Are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Disability Benefits?

SSI provides disability benefits for low-income disabled people who don't qualify for Social Security.

What Is the Difference Between Social Security Disability (SSDI) and SSI?

Both SSI and SSDI disability programs offer cash benefits for disabled individuals, but the financial eligibility requirements are very different.

How Do You Qualify Medically for Social Security Disability or SSI?

There are several ways you can prove your illness or condition qualifies as a disability.

SSDI Eligibility: Work Credits

You must pass a recent work test and a duration of work test in order to be insured for SSDI.

SSI Disability Eligibility: Income Limits

SSI is a needs-based program for low-income people who are blind, disabled, or elderly.

Social Security Disability Appeals: Reconsideration, Hearing, Council, Court

Appeals are offered to Social Security disability and SSI claimants after all levels of decisions.

What Are My Chances of Winning a Social Security Disability Appeal?

There's really no way to know what your chances will be when you file an appeal, other than the fact that your chances will generally improve...

Social Security Disability Backpay (Past Due Benefits)

When you applied for disability and when your disability began dictate how much backpay you'll get.

Does Medicare or Medicaid Come with Disability?

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

Mental Illness and Social Security Disability

Disability applications for cognitive, emotional, psychological, and psychiatric problems are often approved on appeal.

Back Pain and Social Security Disability

Disability claims focusing on back pain often come down to whether your complaints of pain are associated with evidence of an abnormality that's likely to cause that pain.

Do You Need a Lawyer for a Social Security Disability Appeal?

Although not required, having a Social Security Disability appeal lawyer will greatly improve your chances of winning your disability claim.

How Can I Get a Disability Lawyer for Free?

Even at legal aid offices, most disability attorneys and nonattorney advocates work on contingency.

When Is a Person Considered Disabled by Social Security Disability?

For Social Security disability or SSI purposes, to be considered disabled, a person must have an impairment, either medical, psychological, or psychiatric in nature.

Make Sure Your Doctor Is Supportive of Your Disability Case

If your doctor won't help you on your SSD or SSI case, consider switching.

Survey Statistics: Social Security Disability Approval Rates for Common Medical Conditions

Our survey shows that it’s more difficult to receive benefits for some kinds of medical problems than others.

Survey Results: How Much Does a Social Security Disability Lawyer Cost?

Even though disability attorneys’ fees are capped at $6,000, the majority of our readers told us their attorneys received less than that amount.