General Social Security Information
There may come a time in one’s life when they find themselves unable to work due to a chronic physical and/or mental health impairment. If this happens, a person can file for Social Security disability benefits, a federal program that provides a monthly payment and medical insurance for qualified individuals. To be found disabled under the Social Security regulations, a person must have a severe impairment that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months and that impairment must significantly impact their ability to function on a daily basis.
A person can file a claim for Social Security disability online or by going to their local office. The local office will forward the claim to a State Agency for review. If the State Agency finds you are not disabled, you have the right to appeal the denial by requesting a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
There are two payment sources for Social Security disability benefits: (1) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for individuals with little or no work history wherein you get a fixed monthly amount determined by the government and (2) Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for individuals with a work history wherein your monthly benefit amount is determined based on your work income over a certain period of time.
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