Social Security Disability Benefits

Disability defined

The Social Security Act defines disability as a “person’s inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months".

Social Security Disability Benefits

There are five major types of Social Security Disability Benefits:  

1. Disability Insurance Benefits
2. Disabled Widow's and Widower's Benefits
3. Disabled Adult Child Benefits
4. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits
5. SSI Child's Disability benefits

Disability Insurance Benefits

Social Security Disability Benefits are paid to individuals who have worked for at least 10 years in the US and who have now become disabled.

Disabled Widow's and Widower's Benefits

Disabled Widow's and Widower's benefits are paid to individuals who are at least 50 years of age and have become disabled within a certain amount of time after the death of their spouse. The late spouse must have worked enough to be insured by Social Security.

Disabled Adult Child Benefits

Disabled Adult Child Benefits are paid to children whose parents become deceased or disabled. In order to qualify, the child must have suffered this loss before age 22. It is important to know that for Disability Insurance Benefits, Disabled Widow's or Widower's Benefits and Disabled Adult Child Benefits, the wealth of the disabled individual does not matter. Benefits are granted based upon a record of Social Security earnings.

Supplemental Security Income Benefits

This type of Social Security Disability Benefit is paid to individuals who are disabled and who can demonstrate financial need. Work history is not a factor in who can receive this benefit.

SSI Child's Disability Benefits

These benefits are paid to children who become disabled before they turn 18

Contact our Social Security Lawyers now to receive a free, professional consultation.