Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

2010 Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Threshold Amounts

2010 payment tables for the Social Security Administration's (SSA) SGA threshold amounts, which are the level of earnings that SSA uses when it evaluates the work activity of an individual to decide eligiblility for disability benefits. To be eligible for disability benefits a person must be unable to engage in SGA.
Was this information helpful? Yes or No 1 Yes/ 1 No

Age Eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits

Answers the question, "What is the earliest age that I can receive Social Security disability benefits?"
Was this information helpful? Yes or No 1 Yes/ 0 No

Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST)

This tool screens for eligibility for Medicare, Social Security Disability, Social Security Retirement, Social Security Survivors, Special Veterans and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Was this information helpful? Yes or No 2 Yes/ 0 No

Consultative Examinations: A Guide for Health Professionals

Provides information for physicians and other health professionals on the Consultative Examination (CE) process. CE's are used to determine if an individual qualifies for Social Security disability programs.
Was this information helpful? Yes or No 0 Yes/ 0 No

Disability & Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Qualify & Apply

Describes who qualifies for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability benefits and how to apply.
Was this information helpful? Yes or No 2 Yes/ 0 No

Disability Evaluation Under Social Security

Provides information for physicians and other health professionals on the medical criteria used to evaluate Social Security disability claims. Explains how each program works and the kinds of information a health professional can use to make decisions on disability claims.
Was this information helpful? Yes or No 0 Yes/ 1 No

Disability Starter Kits

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.
Was this information helpful? Yes or No 3 Yes/ 0 No

Family Benefits

When you start receiving disability benefits, certain members of your family also may qualify for benefits on your record.
Was this information helpful? Yes or No 1 Yes/ 0 No

Find Answers to Your Questions about Disability Benefits

Frequently asked questions about disability benefits.
Was this information helpful? Yes or No 2 Yes/ 0 No

Frequently Asked Questions about Social Security Disability Benefits

Get answers to many questions about Social Security disability benefits including how to find out if you are eligible, how to apply and the difference between SSDI and SSI.
Was this information helpful? Yes or No 2 Yes/ 0 No

Guide for Representative Payees

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.
Was this information helpful? Yes or No 1 Yes/ 0 No

How Do I Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Information on how to apply for disability benefits, including contact information.

Was this information helpful? Yes or No 1 Yes/ 0 No

How You Earn Credits for Social Security

Information on how to qualify for Social Security (Title II) through working and paying taxes.
Was this information helpful? Yes or No 0 Yes/ 1 No

Qualifying for Benefits - How Much Work Do I Need?

Explains how much work is needed to qualify for disability benefits.
Was this information helpful? Yes or No 1 Yes/ 0 No

SSA's Medical Evidence Requirements

Information about the kinds of medical evidence needed to support an application for disability benefits, including what the Social Security Administration (SSA) means by "acceptable medical sources."
Was this information helpful? Yes or No 0 Yes/ 1 No

Social Security & Disability

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.
Was this information helpful? Yes or No 0 Yes/ 1 No

Social Security Disability Planner

Explains the benefits that are available, how to qualify, how to apply for benefits and what happens when your application is approved.

Was this information helpful? Yes or No 1 Yes/ 0 No

Social Security for People Living with HIV/AIDS

If you have HIV/AIDS and cannot work, you may qualify for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. This fact sheet explains the eligibility requirements and provides some tips on how to speed up the processing of your application. This information is also available in Spanish.

Was this information helpful? Yes or No 1 Yes/ 0 No

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

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.

Was this information helpful? Yes or No 1 Yes/ 0 No

What We Mean by Disability

Information on Social Security's definition of disability.
Was this information helpful? Yes or No 0 Yes/ 1 No

What You Should Know Before You Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits

Answers to frequently asked questions about the application process for disability benefits including how Social Security decides if an individual is disabled.
Was this information helpful? Yes or No 1 Yes/ 0 No

When Social Security Disability Benefits Stop

Information on when Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are stopped because of a person's medical improvement or work at the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level.
Was this information helpful? Yes or No 1 Yes/ 0 No

Your Continued Eligibility for Benefits

Information on circumstances that may change your continuing eligibility for disability benefits.
Was this information helpful? Yes or No 1 Yes/ 0 No