Social Security Disability and SSI

A severe physical or mental condition may qualify you for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Learn about the five steps in the disability determination process for SSDI or SSI benefit claims.

You can qualify for Social Security Disability benefits if your mental illness keeps you from working full-time.

Your residual functional capacity (RFC) is an important part of a Social Security disability determination.

Substantial gainful activity is the level of work that a person without a disability can do.

If you have strong medical records, you might qualify for disability automatically by meeting an impairment listed in the Blue Book.

If you are 50 years old or older when applying for Social Security disability, it may be easier for you to get approved for disability benefits than it is for a younger person.

How much your SSDI (Social Security disability) benefit will be is based on your lifetime earnings.

You can test out your ability to work while collecting Social Security disability without losing your benefits.

Some benefits and income will decrease your SSDI check, while others will not.

The amount of your monthly SSI check will depend on whether you're single or married, live alone or with others, and have other income or not.

You can work as long as your countable income doesn't go above the SSI income limit.

To get disability benefits from SSI, you can't have much income or assets, though Social Security gives you some breaks when counting your income.

That call from the Social Security Administration (SSA) asking you to appear for a consultative examination (CE) can bring in both a sense of relief and concern.

To apply for disability benefits from the federal government, you can either go to your local Social Security office, call 800-772-1213, or file online.

It can take years to get a final decision on your application for Social Security disability benefits.

Whether or not you'll get Social Security disability for a serious heart condition depends on the specific symptoms and limitations in your medical records.

If you have severe pain in your back and legs and you can't walk effectively or stand for prolonged periods of time, you have a good chance of getting disability benefits.

Proper medical documentation is the basis of a successful Social Security disability claim for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

If you meet the requirements of a listing set out in Social Security's list of qualifying impairments or show that he or she is unable to work, you may qualify for disability benefits for lupus.

Most people who are approved for Social Security disability benefits receive a substantial amount of backpay. Learn how much you might get.

Question: I have been receiving disability for seven years and have received a letter saying Social Security does routine audits every three to seven years. Should I be concerned?

Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) can be subject to tax, but most people don't pay taxes on them because they don't have much other income.

If you start working, or your medical condition improves, or you change your living situation, your disability benefits could be terminated.

How to tell whether your claim for SSDI or SSI disability benefits will be denied or approved.

Here's how you can understand an ALJ's decision denying you Social Security disability benefits.

Many disability applicants are surprised to learn that their disability claims have been denied even though Social Security agrees that they're unable to return to any of their past jobs.

If the Social Security Administration (SSA) decides that you are not eligible for Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits, that your current benefits will end, or that the amount of your payment

Learn how to write an effective disability appeal letter, including what to say and how to say it.

If you've received an unfavorable or partially favorable decision after your disability hearing, you should examine the Administrative Law Judge's decision for factual or legal errors.

Disability lawyers generally cost about a quarter of your SSDI or SSI back payments—if you win.

If you think you won't be able to work for a long time, consider a consultation with a Social Security disability lawyer.

Asking the right questions will ensure you find a qualified, experienced, and ethical disability attorney.