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Social Security Resource Center

      


En español | Social Security’s mission includes helping to sustain workers and their families when a debilitating illness or injury strikes. If you are facing the financial strain and personal stress of a potential loss of livelihood due to disability, let the AARP Social Security Resource Center start you toward an informed decision about your benefit options. This section provides basics on:

  • Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income
  • The evidence you need to document your claim
  • Conditions that could expedite your application
  • Switching from disability to retirement benefits

Basics

 

Q: How to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Q: How do I apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Q: What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

Q: What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

Q: Who is eligible for SSI?

Q: Can I apply for SSI online?

Q: Do I need an attorney to apply for Social Security disability benefits?

Q: Are there ways to speed up a disability claim?

Q: Can noncitizens get Supplemental Security Income?

Q: What is a Social Security protective filing date and why is it important?

Q: Can I apply more than once for Social Security disability?

Benefits

 

Q: How long does it take for Social Security disability benefits to start?

Q: Can I switch from Social Security retirement benefits to disability benefits?

Q: Will my Social Security disability benefits change when I reach retirement age?

Q: Can I collect Social Security retirement and disability benefits at the same time?

Q: Can Social Security expedite disability claims for veterans?

Q: Can I collect both Social Security disability benefits and VA disability compensation?

Q: How are Social Security disability benefits calculated?

Q: Are Social Security disability benefits taxable?

Q: How does a workers' compensation settlement affect SSDI payments?

Q: What is Social Security disability back pay?

Q: What is a Social Security disability freeze?

Q: What is presumptive disability?

Q: Can I get both Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplementary Security Income?

Q: Can I qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicaid at the same time?

Q: How does Medicare work with Social Security disability benefits?

Q: Will my disability benefit go up if my disability gets worse?

Q: Will my Social Security disability benefits change if I move to another state?

Q: What is the expedited reinstatement provision for disability benefits?

Conditions

 

Q: What medical conditions qualify someone for Social Security disability benefits?

Q: What mental illnesses qualify someone for Social Security disability?

Q: What conditions make someone eligible for a fast-track decision on disability benefits?

Q: What is a Social Security disability review?

Q: Can someone with a substance abuse problem get Social Security disability benefits?

Q: What is the Social Security Blue Book?

Family

 

Q: Can both spouses in a couple collect Social Security disability benefits?

Q: I am receiving Social Security disability. Can my spouse get benefits?

Q: What is the family maximum benefit for SSDI?

Q: How does marriage affect Supplemental Security Income?

Q: Can I receive Supplemental Security Income if I move in with my children?

Q: Is my disabled child eligible for Social Security benefits?

Q: Can I help a family member or friend apply for Social Security disability benefits?

Q: I am disabled but do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. Can I claim disability benefits on my spouse's record?

Work & Income

 

Q: How long do I have to work to qualify for SSDI?

Q: Can I work part time on Social Security disability?

Q: What is Social Security's Ticket to Work program?

Q: What are Social Security disability work incentives?

Q: What is a Social Security trial work period?

Q: What are impairment-related work expenses?

Q: What is substantial gainful activity?

Q: What counts as income for SSI?

Q: What financial resources count for SSI eligibility?

Q: Can I have a savings account while on Social Security disability?

Q: Can I withdraw funds from my 401(k) without penalty if I'm receiving disability benefits?

Q: Can I file for Social Security disability if I'm on workers' compensation?

Q: Do COVID-19 stimulus checks affect SSI benefits?

Q: What is SSI redetermination?

Q: If I go back to work and lose my SSI benefits, will I lose Medicaid?

Appeals

 

Q: How do I appeal a decision on disability benefits by Social Security?

Q: How long does it take to get a Social Security disability hearing?

Q: What happens at a Social Security disability hearing?

Q: Can I use a My Social Security account to track my disability case?

Ask the AARP Expert

Didn't find the answer to your Social Security question?  Submit your question here.

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