US Social Security
Benefits and Disability Assistance

Social Security Disability Benefits

The Social Security disability insurance program (sometimes referred to as SSDI) pays benefits to you and certain family members if you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

Your adult child also may qualify for benefits on your earnings record if he or she has a disability that started before age 22.They pay disability benefits under two programs:

     * The Social Security disability insurance
        program pays benefits to you and certain
        family members if you worked long enough
        and paid Social Security taxes.

Your adult child also may qualify for benefits on your earnings record if he or she has a disability that started before age 22.

     * The Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
        program pays benefits to disabled adults and
        children who have limited income and
        resources.

SSI benefits also are payable to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial limits.

For most people, the medical requirements for disability payments are the same under both programs and disability is determined by the same process.

Whether you apply for Social Security or SSI disability, they ask you for information about your medical condition, work and education history to help them decide if you are disabled under their rules.

If You Disagree With A Decision The SSA Makes

If you have any questions about your payment amount or any other information they may send you, please contact the SSA. If you disagree with a decision they make, you have the right to appeal the decision.

Your request must be in writing and delivered to any Social Security office within 60 days of the date you receive the letter containing their decision.

You have the right to hire an attorney or anyone else to represent you. This does not mean you must have an attorney or other representative, but they will be glad to work with one if you wish. For more information about getting a representative, start here with a Free, No Obligation evaluation.