Social Security Disability FAQs
General information: learn the basics about Social
Security
-
How does
Social Security define "disabled"? - Who decides if I'm disabled?
- Will Social Security find me disabled?
- Can I receive Social Security disability benefits for the disease or condition I have?
- I have several health problems, and it's the combination of illnesses that disables me. Can I get Social Security?
- I'm already receiving Veterans' Disability benefits. Can I get Social Security disability benefits too?
- Can alcoholics and drug addicts get Social Security disability benefits?
- I'm disabled. I need help with medical bills even more than I need a cash income. How do I get help with medical bills?
- Can I get benefits because of my mental illness?
- Do I have to be permanently disabled to get Social Security disability benefits?
- I'm partially disabled. Can I receive partial disability benefits from Social Security?
- I know someone who is on Social Security disability and he doesn't look disabled. Why are they getting benefits?
- How do I improve my chances of winning?
- How long do I have to wait to file for disability?
- How do I apply for Social Security disability benefits?
- How can I get help with my Social Security claim?
- I'm disabled now, but I expect that I'll be able to return to work after I recover from an injury or illness. Should I file for Social Security disability benefits?
- The VA says I'm disabled, so why did Social Security deny me?
- I'm receiving Workers’ Compensation benefits. Can I file a claim for Social Security disability benefits now or should I wait until the Workers’ Compensation ends?
- I'm disabled, but I have plenty of money in the bank. Do I have to wait until this money is gone before I apply for Social Security disability benefits?
- I'm on sick leave from my employer, can I file for Social Security disability?
- Does my age affect whether the Social Security Administration finds me disabled?
The hearing: find out what happens after you get denied
- What are my chances of winning at a hearing?
- Social Security denied my claim. I'm very discouraged. Why should I bother to appeal?
- What's the Social Security disability hearing like?
Appeals: been denied by a judge? Find out where to go from here
- If the Administrative Law Judge denies my claim, can I appeal?
- What is the Appeals Council?
- Can I appeal a case beyond Social Security's Appeals Council to the Federal Courts?
After you've been approved: what you need to know once you're on benefits
