Disabilities. Social Security Disability. 

Resources to Help You Understand and Apply for Disability Benefits.

DRM Guide to Disability Resources on the Internet

Social Security Disability Secrets  "... crucial information that, nine times out of ten, it's impossible to get from the person taking your claim for Disability and ssi benefits.... Statistically, seventy percent of all disability benefit claims, represented or otherwise, are denied at application.... The information, tips and advice presented here can help you understand: 1)How to apply for benefits with the Social Security Administration, 2) How the system works, 3) What SSA doesn't tell you about the application and appeal process, 4)What you can do on your own to help your case, and 5) What you should never do that might potentially harm your case.... If you suffer from a medical, psychological, or psychiatric impairment (including but definitely not limited to add, joint swelling, fms, rsd, gastric problems, seizure disorder, asthma, major depression, copd, anxiety problems, vertigo, chest pain, muscle spasms, bipolar disorder, coronary artery disease, diabetic neuropathy, chronic bronchitis, ocd, weakness, fatigue, heady injury, amputation, lumbar back fusion, shortness of breath, cfids, edema, hiatal hernia, gout, or congestive heart failure) and have initiated or been denied on a social security disability, or ssi, claim for benefits, this site may assist you with your case."

Social Security Disability Frequently Asked Questions by National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives

Social Security Disability (SSD) Benefits

You should file as soon as it is determined that you will not be able to work during the next 12 months or your condition is expected to lead to death.

Social Security is not a short term disability. For example, if your are sick or if you have an accident where you cannot work for several days or even a few months, you will not be entitled to Social Security Disability benefits.

How to find out if your are qualified for Social Security Benefits

Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST)
helps identify all the different Social Security programs for which you may be eligible.

If qualified, you can receive disability benefits under two programs: the Social Security disability insurance program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

Social Security Disability Program Social Security Disability Benefits or SSDI are paid to individuals who have worked at least 5  out of the last 10 years. For individuals under 31, the requirements are less stringent since they have not been in the work force as long.

Supplemental Security Income Program 
Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI)
are paid to individuals who are low level income and disabled whether or not the individual has worked in the past. SSI child's disability benefits are paid to children who are under 18 years old, are disabled and the parents or guardian are lower level income.

If you qualify, apply for Social Security disability benefits online. No matter what kind of disability benefits you are applying for, you must provide information about your medical, work, and education history.

You can also apply for Social Security disability benefits by phone, mail or in person at any Social Security office. Here's where to call for an appointment.

Social Security disability benefits are paid until age 65. When you reach age 65, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, but the amount remains the same.

Certain members of your family may qualify for benefits on your record. They include:

• Your spouse who is age 62 or older, or any age if he or she is caring for a child of yours who is under age 16 or disabled and also receiving checks.
• Your disabled widow or widower age 50 or older.
• Your unmarried son or daughter, including an adopted child, or, in some cases, a stepchild or grandchild. The child must be under age 18 or under age 19 if in high school full time.
• Your unmarried son or daughter, age 18 or older, if he or she has a disability that started before age 22.

If your application has recently been denied, the Appeal Disability Report is a starting point to request a review of the decision about your eligibility for disability benefits.

Appealing Your Denial: The Flow of Cases Through The Disability Process

Americans with Disabilities Act

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a Federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in everyday activities, such as buying an item at the store, going to the movies, enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, exercising at the health club, or having the car serviced at a local garage.

Introduction to American Disabilities Act

Americans with Disabilities Act  Information and Resources on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

ADA Regulations and Technical Assistance Materials The U.S. Department of Justice provides free ADA materials. Printed materials may be ordered by calling the ADA Information Line (1-800-514-0301 (Voice) or 1-800-514-0383 (TDD)). Automated service is available 24-hours a day for recorded information and to order publications.

Publications are available in standard print as well as large print, audiotape, Braille, and computer disk for people with disabilities.