Social Security Disability benefits are available to individuals who are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability. To qualify for these benefits, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having a disability that is expected to last at least one year or result in death, and having worked long enough and recently enough to be insured under Social Security. The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines eligibility for disability benefits based on an individual’s medical condition, age, education, and work history. Once approved, individuals may receive monthly cash benefits, Medicare or Medicaid coverage, and other assistance. In addition, individuals may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if they have limited income and resources. The SSA also provides work incentives to help individuals with disabilities return to work. These incentives include continued cash benefits, health care coverage, and other services.
To be eligible for disability benefits, you must meet certain criteria. You must be unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. You must also have worked long enough and recently enough under Social Security to qualify for benefits. The amount of work you need to have done to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you must have worked 5 out of the last 10 years before you became disabled. Additionally, you must have earned a certain amount of work credits each year. The amount of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age. Finally, you must be a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen who meets certain requirements.