Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Answers the question "What is the earliest age that I can receive Social Security disability benefits?"

Describes who qualifies for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits and how to apply.

Provide general information about the disability programs and the Social Security Administration's (SSA) decision-making process that can help take some of the mystery out of applying for disability benefits.

Frequently asked questions about disability benefits.

More than seven million people who get monthly Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits need help managing their money. This booklet explains the responsibilities of a representative payee, and the importance of knowing what the beneficiary's needs are so you can decide how benefits can best be used for his or her personal care and well-being.

Information on how to qualify for Social Security (Title II) through working and paying taxes.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced that it is adding 38 more conditions to its list of Compassionate Allowances. The new conditions range from adult brain disorders to rare diseases that primarily affect children. Compassionate Allowances are a way of quickly identifying diseases and other medical conditions that clearly qualify for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability benefits. It allows the agency to electronically target and make speedy decisions for the most obviously disabled individuals.

Information from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Paralysis Resource Center to help people with disabilities and their family members understand the rules for getting and keeping benefits under the entitlement of Social Security law.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has hosted a public hearing on Compassionate Allowances for people living with schizophrenia. SSA heard testimony from some of the nation's leading experts on schizophrenia about possible methods of identifying and implementing Compassionate Allowances for young adults with schizophrenia. "Schizophrenia is a devastating disease that affects more than two million Americans, primarily individuals in their teens and twenties," said Commissioner Astrue. "The onset of schizophrenia has life-changing consequences, which can include unemployment and homelessness."

If you are receiving SSDI benefits, SGA is used to determine initial eligibility, and to decide if your disability continues after you return to work and complete your Trial Work Period (TWP). The term "substantial gainful activity" is used to describe a level of work activity and earnings. Work is "substantial" if it involves doing significant physical or mental activities, or a combination of both.

Answers to frequently asked questions about the application process for disability benefits including how Social Security decides if an individual is disabled.

Information on circumstances that may change your continuing eligibility for disability benefits.