Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability
and Supplemental Security Income
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What is Social Security Disability (SSDI)?

Social Security disability is a federal program which provides for monthly cash benefits as well as medical care insurance (MediCare).  It is administered by the Social Security Administration.  It can be loosely considered as early retirement for individuals who, because of a chronic medical or mental illness, are not able to work.  The program also provides benefits for individuals who have suffered a serious illness or injury that will incapacitate them for at least one year.

What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal welfare program for disabled persons who do not have the necessary work credits to qualify for Disability Benefits. The rules for medical qualification are the same for both programs.

What is the Disability Benefits Insurance Program (DBI)?

The Disability Benefits Insurance program is available to any former worker who is unable to work, for any reason, and who has accumulated sufficient quarters by payment of FICA taxes. To be eligible the former worker must have 40 quarters during the 10 years preceding the onset of disability, 20 of which must have been during the preceding 5 years.

How long will my case take?

Anyone who has dealt with a bureaucracy, whether getting a driver's license or appealing a property tax assessment, knows that governmental entities are rarely fully staffed and they are generally overburdened with requests. The general process for Social Security disability applications includes:  the initial application, a request for reconsideration (in many states other than Pennsylvania), an administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing, and possibly an Appeals Council hearing or federal court appeal.

It could take several months to a year or longer to qualify for disability benefits.

What are the medical benefits?

DBI benefits include Medicare. SSI benefits include Medicaid. Medicare benefits begin 29 months after the onset of the disabling condition. Medicaid begins on the date of application or on the onset of the disabling condition if later than the filing date. Note that as of 2004 Medicare does not cover prescription drugs.

How do I know if I qualify for Social Security Disability?

"Disability" under Social Security is based on your inability to work. You are disabled under Social Security rules if:
  • You cannot do work that you did before; 
  • We decide that you cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s); and 
  • Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

This is a strict definition of disability. Social Security program rules assume that working families have access to other resources to provide support during periods of short-term disabilities, including workers' compensation, insurance, savings and investments.

How do I determine the onset date of my disability?

The onset date of your disability is usually the date on which the applicant last worked.  It is not dependent on the date of application.  Although a person may try to work after the true onset date, you should provide the date of last full-time employment and request that any subsequent employment be considered unsuccessful work attempt.

How do I determine my benefit level?

Contact the Social Security Administration to request your earnings report.  The earnings report is a compilation of annual wages reported for every tax payer.  It also includes the calculated amount of disability benefits for that wage earner as well as the maximum benefits for the family of the wage earner.  The monthly SSI benefit in 2011 is approximately $749. The amount is adjusted annually to account for cost of living.
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