A Glance at Social Security’s Disability Benefits

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The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of multiple Federal aid programs that help people with disabilities. While these two programs differ greatly, both are run by the Social Security Administration, and only people who have a disabling condition in addition to meeting certain medical criteria can qualify for benefits under each program.

Social Security Disability Insurance provides benefits to you and particular family members if you are “insured,” which refers to the assumption that you worked for a certain period of time and paid into Social Security through taxes.

Supplemental Security Income Provides Benefits Based on Financial Need.

When you submit an application for either program, the SSA will require medical and other information from you and review your case to determine whether or not you meet the Social Security’s definition of disability.

If you’ve recently applied for benefits and were denied, you can submit an appeal online to request a review of the SSA’s decision regarding your application for disability benefits. If your application was denied for medical reasons, then you can fill out and submit the necessary Appeal Request and Appeal Disability Report online. The disability report requires updated information regarding your medical condition and any treatment, tests or physician visits since the SSA’s denial decision.

If you were denied for non-medical reasons, it is recommended that you contact your local Social Security Office to request the review. You can also call the SSA’s toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213, to request an appeal. For individuals who are deaf or struggle hearing can call their toll-free TTY number at 1-800-325-0778