What Qualifies You for Social Security Disability?

In order to qualify for Social Security disability payments, you must meet a strict set of guidelines. The Social Security Administration's definition of "disability" is different than that of other programs. Social Security disability is based on your inability to work. You are considered disabled if you are unable to do the work you did before you became disabled, you can't accept other work because of your condition and your disability has lasted, or is expected to last, for a year or more or will result in death.

Qualifying as Disabled

• If you are working and your earnings average more than $1,000 a month, you are not considered disabled. If you are not working, your disability must prohibit your normal work activities. The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a list of disabilities for which it considers limiting enough to prevent gainful employment (see References). If your condition is on the SSA's list, you automatically qualify as disabled. The SSA will deny your claim if your condition is not on the list and does not prohibit you from completing the work you did prior to becoming disabled. If you cannot perform your previous work, the SSA will determine if you can perform another type of work when deciding on your disability status.

Apply for Benefits

• The SSA recommends you apply for benefits as soon as you become disabled. You can apply online, in person at a local Social Security office or by calling 1-800-772-1213. You will need your military discharge, if applicable; W-2 form from the prior year; Social Security numbers for yourself, spouse and minor children and all bank account and routing numbers for direct deposits.

Disability Report

• In your disability report, the SSA requires the name, address and phone number of someone knowledgeable about your condition. It will also need the names, addresses, phone numbers, patient ID numbers and dates of visits to all doctors and hospitals. You will also need to provide the names of all prescription medicines you take and who prescribed them, as well as the names and dates of any medical tests you have had performed and who sent you for these tests. You will need to include your employment history covering your last five jobs and a list of any workers' compensation claims you've made, including the claim numbers and name, address and phone number of the insurance company involved.

Approval

• If you are approved, your first disability payment will be paid to you during the sixth month after the date the SSA determined you were disabled. Additionally, Social Security benefits are paid a month behind; so, for example, the benefit for April would be paid in May. Your benefit is based on your lifetime average Social Security earnings. Use the benefit calculator to determine a benefit amount if you become disabled (see Resources).

Right to Appeal

• If your disability claim is rejected by Social Security, you can appeal. There are four levels to the appeal process: reconsideration, hearing. Appeals Council review and federal court. To start the appeal process for a disability decision, you must complete an Appeal Request Internet form and an Appeal Disability Request Internet form (see References). To use the online appeal process, you must have applied for benefits and received a "Notice of Disapproved Claim," a "Notice of Reconsideration" or a "Notice of Federal Reviewing Official Decision."