Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Program

The Social Security Disability program is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration that provides monetary assistance to people who are classified as disabled under the agency's definition. It pays benefits to the disabled person and qualifying members of their family if they have worked long enough to be considered "insured" and have paid taxes into the Social Security system.

If you are disabled and have had trouble getting disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, reviewing your case with a qualified Disability Attorney can improve your chances of being approved for Social Security disability.

Disability

The Social Security Administration defines disability as the "inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months." It also includes "blindness" as a disability for those who have "central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with the use of a correcting lens." In simpler terms, you are disabled if you are unable to work due to an illness or medical condition that is life threatening or is expected to continue for (or has lasted for) one year. You would also be eligible if you become blind.

In most states, qualifying for Social Security disability will automatically qualify an individual for health coverage under the Medicare or Medicaid programs.