What Kinds of Social Security Disability Benefits Are There?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) runs two main different disability programs. This is how they work:
While SSDI is probably what you’re looking for if you have been working and now find yourself forced to stop due to medical issues, the Social Security Administration (SSA) runs two main disability programs.
This is how they work:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who have worked and paid into the system. It provides monthly checks and Medicare access. Your payment is set by a formula including past income.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited work history and financial resources. It provides monthly checks and Medicaid eligibility. Your payment is based on a flat amount set by the government each year. Certain other sources of income and support can reduce how much you get.
SSDI vs. SSI: A Quick Guide
| Disability Program | Who It Helps | What It May Provide |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) | People who worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to qualify. |
Monthly disability payments, possible back pay, Medicare after a waiting period, and possible dependent benefits. |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | People with limited income and limited resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. | Monthly payments and access to Medicaid. |
Some people qualify for SSDI only. Some qualify for SSI only. Others may qualify for both if their SSDI payment is low enough, or to cover a gap from the time your income stopped to when you qualified for SSDI.
It’s FREE to have an initial conversation about your options with the disability attorneys at Wells, Manning, Eitenmiller & Taylor.
How Do You Get SSD Benefits?
Being unable to work is the key qualification. But Social Security won’t take your word for it that you can’t work.
You have to prove it. Using medical documents, you must show the following:
- You can’t work—and the reason is bad health.
- You can’t change jobs either—even if you want to.
- Your medical problems have lasted, or will last, at least a year or may lead to death.
- You’ve worked enough to qualify for SSDI.
- You meet the income requirements for SSI.
You can qualify for disability benefits with many different medical conditions. Regardless of diagnosis, winning benefits depends on the way your symptoms disrupt your life.
When you apply for SSD, you have to gather a lot of information about your health and your life in order to persuade Social Security to award you benefits.
These are the kinds of materials you’ll need:
- Doctor’s reports
- Medical test results
- Medical imaging
- Hospitalization records
- Prescription lists
- Details on the demands of past jobs
- Details on your educational background
- Financial information
- Statements from people who know you
Rather than worry whether you’re submitting everything correctly, get an experienced disability lawyer to help you.
The disability lawyers at Wells, Manning, Eitenmiller & Taylor have decades of experience building cases for disability benefits.
You can also get disabled widow or widower benefits if you are eligible and your spouse has died.
After health and financial trouble, let us help you move forward.
What Happens During the Social Security Disability Process?
Maybe you are just starting and wondering if you qualify. Maybe you are getting ready to apply. Maybe you already applied and got denied. Or maybe your case is moving toward a hearing, and you are worried about what comes next.
Wherever you are, the next step matters.
These are the steps of the Social Security Disability process:
| Stage of the SSD Process | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Initial Application |
This is where you first ask Social Security for disability benefits. You provide information about your medical conditions, work history, treatment, and daily limitations. |
| Reconsideration |
If your first application is denied, this is the first appeal. Social Security reviews your claim again. |
| ALJ Hearing |
If reconsideration is denied, you may request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. During the hearing, you’ll answer questions about your health, work history, and limitations. |
| Appeals Council |
If the hearing decision is unfavorable, you may ask the Appeals Council to review the judge’s decision. |
| Federal Court |
In some cases, you may ask a federal court to review the final decision after the Appeals Council has completed its review. |
A disability claim can take time. Some people are approved at the first application stage. Others have to appeal and keep adding evidence before they win benefits.
Social Security Disability Terms to Know
As your claim moves forward, you may see terms and abbreviations that get confusing. Here is a guide to some of the key Social Security Disability terms:
| Disability Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| SSDI | Social Security Disability Insurance. A disability benefit for people who worked and paid into Social Security long enough to qualify. |
| SSI | Supplemental Security Income. A needs-based benefit for people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. |
| Work Credits | Credits you earn by working and paying Social Security taxes. They determine whether you qualify for SSDI. |
| SGA | Substantial Gainful Activity. This refers to the amount of work and earnings Social Security considers too high to qualify for disability benefits. |
| RFC | Residual Functional Capacity. Social Security’s assessment of what you can still do despite your medical limitations. |
| AOD | Alleged Onset Date. The date you claim your disability began. |
| Blue Book (Listing of Impairments) | Social Security’s official list of medical conditions that may qualify for disability benefits. Each listing explains the medical criteria needed to meet that condition. |
| Back Pay | Disability benefits you may receive for the period between when you became disabled and when your claim is approved. |
You do not need to know every term before you start. But it helps to understand the basic path ahead.
Wells, Manning, Eitenmiller & Taylor can help you figure out where you are in the process and what to do next.
We help Oregonians apply for disability benefits, appeal denied claims, prepare for hearings and keep moving forward when the system feels overwhelming.
Let’s get you back on steadier ground.
Quick Guide: Common Questions About Social Security Disability for People in Oregon
What is Social Security Disability?
Social Security Disability benefits provide financial assistance to people who cannot work because of serious medical conditions. The two main programs are Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, and Supplemental Security Income, or SSI.
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you paid while working. SSI is based on financial need for people with limited income and resources. Some people may qualify for both.
How do I know if I qualify for disability?
You may qualify if your medical condition keeps you from working and has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 months. You also need to meet the work credit rules for SSDI or the financial rules for SSI.
What conditions qualify for Social Security Disability?
Many physical and mental health conditions may qualify, including back problems, heart disease, cancer, lung disease, neurological conditions, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, PTSD and other serious impairments. What matters most is how your condition limits your ability to work.
Can I work while applying for disability?
You may be able to do some limited work, but earnings and work activity can affect your claim. Social Security looks at whether your work shows that you can still earn a living on a regular basis.
How long does it take to get disability benefits?
The timeline depends on your case. Some people are approved at the first application stage. Others need to go through reconsideration, a hearing or further appeals before receiving a final decision.
What happens if my disability claim is denied?
A denial does not mean your case is over. You can appeal, submit more evidence and continue fighting for benefits. It’s important to act quickly because appeal deadlines are limited.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for Social Security Disability?
You are allowed to apply on your own, but a disability lawyer can help you understand what Social Security needs, gather evidence, avoid missed deadlines and build a stronger claim.
We’re with You Every Step of the Way
Whether you’re trying to determine if you’re qualified for disability benefits, you need help filing your application, or you received a denial notice and want another chance, our law firm helps from the beginning and stays by your side.
Have a Question about Disability Benefits?
Your health is bad. You can’t work. Your financial stability is threatened. So your head is swimming with questions. How will you get by? How does Social Security Disability work? We’ve gathered answers. See them here:
Disability FAQs »
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