Social Security Disability FAQ

Social Security Disability Help Center

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We will help you through all phases of the administrative process.

How long does it take to start?

Date of Onset:

What is the difference between Social Security disability and SSI disability?

How are SSDI benefits calculated?

Other Benefits SSDI Provides

How long do I have to wait after becoming disabled before I can file for Social Security Disability benefits?

How many people file claims and are awarded SSI and SSDI benefits?

How does Social Security determine if I am disabled?

How long does it take before Social Security makes a decision once I file a claim for Social Security disability benefits?

If I am approved for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, how much money will I receive?

How far back will they pay benefits if I am found disabled?

How long does it take to start?

It is to your advantage to file for your benefits as soon as you become disabled however you must prove your disability will last at least 12 months. You do not however need to wait until you have been disabled for 12 months before you apply.

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Date of Onset:

Your "date of onset" is considered the first day you are unable to work because of your disability. The date of onset may or may not be the same as the date you were diagnosed. Applicants typically use the date they last worked as the date of onset.

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What is the difference between Social Security disability and SSI disability?

The Social Security Administration is responsible for two major programs that provide benefits based on disability: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is based on prior work under Social Security, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Under SSI, payments are made on the basis of financial need.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and self-employed persons. To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance, the worker must earn sufficient credits based on taxable work to be "insured" for Social Security purposes. Disability benefits are payable to blind or disabled workers, widow(er)s, or adults disabled since childhood, who are otherwise eligible. The amount of the monthly disability benefit is based on the Social Security earnings record of the insured worker.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program financed through general revenues. SSI disability benefits are payable to adults or children who are disabled or blind, have limited income and resources, meet the living arrangement requirements, and are otherwise eligible. The monthly payment varies up to the maximum federal benefit rate, which may be supplemented by the State or decreased by countable income and resources.

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How are SSDI benefits calculated?

SSDI benefits amounts are determined by a formula that takes into account your earnings record. The formula allows for yearly increases in the individual benefits in order to reflect adjustments in the cost of living. The amount of your benefits will be based on your average earnings for all of the years you have been working, not just your most recent salary.

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Other Benefits SSDI Provides

An SSDI beneficiary is automatically eligible for Medicare 24 months after the onset date or date they were found to be disabled. Medicare coverage starts in the 25th month of your SSDI entitlement. SSA will automatically send you information approximately 3 months before you are eligible for Medicare.

Social Security disability recipients may be eligible for Food Stamps but must file a separate Food Stamp Program application.

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How long do I have to wait after becoming disabled before I can file for Social Security Disability benefits?

You do not have to wait at all. You can file for Social Security disability benefits on the same day you become disabled. An individual who suffers serious illness or injury and expects to be out of work for a year or more should not delay in filing a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.

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How many people file claims and are awarded SSI and SSDI benefits?

Disability may be a familiar enough concept to many people, but rarely do we think of the possibility of becoming disabled ourselves until we become ill or experience an accident. Surprisingly though, the chances of becoming disabled are probably far greater than you imagine.

Out of over 2.1 million initial claims that were filed in 2004, just under 800,000 were approved. Obtaining representation will significantly improve your chances of winning your case.

It is expected that a 20-year-old worker today has a 3-in-10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age.

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How does Social Security determine if I am disabled?

The definition of disability under Social Security is very firm. Social Security pays only for what they determine to be "total disability." No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.

Disability under Social Security is based on your inability to work. The Social Security Administration will consider you disabled if you cannot do the work that you did before your disability began and they determine that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical problem(s). Your disability must also last or be expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

For more detailed information about the Social Security definition of disabled, click the link to our "Who Qualifies for Benefits" page.

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How long does it take before Social Security makes a decision once I file a claim for Social Security disability benefits?

In most cases, Social Security makes the first decision within five months. If you are denied SSI or SSDI the decision is appealed the process starts again with the reconstruction phase.

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If I am approved for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, how much money will I receive?

For Social Security Disability benefits the amount you receive is based upon how much you have worked and earned during your previous years of employment.
For disabled widow's or widower's benefits, it depends upon how much the late husband or wife worked and earned.
For disabled adult child benefits, it all depends upon how much the parent worked and earned.
For all types of SSI benefits, there is a base amount that an individual with minimal income receives.
Other income that an individual has reduces the amount of SSI that an individual can receive.

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How far back will they pay benefits if I am found disabled?

For SSI and SSDI and for Disabled Widow's and Widower's Benefits, the benefits cannot begin until five months have passed after the person becomes disabled. In addition, benefits will not be retro-actively paid for more than one year prior to the date of the claim."

For a Disabled Adult Child, there is no five-month waiting period before benefits begin, but benefits cannot be paid retroactively for more than six months prior to the date of the claim.

SSI benefits cannot be paid prior to the start of the month following the date of the claim.

Every day you wait before filing your claim is one more day before you will not be receiving payments.

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If you, or a friend, or loved one need to file a claim for social security disability, please use the Contact Request Form to have one of our representatives call or email you today. Or call us directly at 888-BENEFIT.

Always consult with an experienced social security disability professional when you need help getting your disability benefits!

Click here for your FREE CONSULTATION!

Jacoby & Meyers Social Security Disability Help Center

(Available 8 AM - 5 PM PST) 1-800-411-4LAW

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Jacoby & Meyers has offices and attorneys throughout the United States, with regional offices in Southern California, Arizona, and New York.