Disability and Social Security

Have finally reached that point in your life when you are disabled - unable to work on your present job or hold down another job? Hold it right there and don't fret away! Don't you know that you can file for Disability Claims? If you are not thoroughly informed about it, then this article will help you out!

Disability benefits are provided for by the federal government under two programs, known collectively as Social Security Disability Benefits. First, under Title II of the Social Security Act, there is the Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits program (SSDI) that gives benefits to disabled workers, and their dependents and surviving spouses. Second, under the Title XVI of the Social Security Act, there's the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI) that gives benefits to disabled individuals. These are considered when their income and assets fall way below a given level.

Now, you know... Then, how will you start benefiting from these programs and what is the process involved? First of all, as soon as you determine your disability - don't wait forever - immediately file your application for disability claims to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Your disability condition shall be determined by the SSA with a five-step sequential evaluation process.

There are five requirements to be met before you will be considered disabled and is eligible for disability insurance benefits. If you are presently doing substantial gainful activity, then you're not disabled. After determining the first item, you will be examined for severe impairment. If you meet the requirements equivalent of a disability in the SSA's Listing of Impairments, you will be judged disabled. If your present impairment is the reason for your inability to perform in past relevant work through some medical assessment, you may be evaluated for the ability to perform in other work.

There is a consideration for your ability to perform in a work despite your impairment, connoting "residual functional capacity." But if you're impairment is too severe that you are unable to hold down any kind of work, and then you passed the evaluation process and is considered eligible for disability insurance benefits.

If you failed the evaluation process, you could still appeal for reconsideration as a claimant. But, if you have passed the evaluation, your application's approval will be sent enclosing computations of the benefits you are entitled to. After a five-month waiting period, payments will start coming to you on a monthly basis. For further inquiries on how the Social Security Disability insurance benefits, address it to the SSA information office.