Frequently Asked Questions About Social Security Disability and the Process

You must have worked at least 10 years in job that are covered by Social Security. You also must fall under the Social Security’s definition of disability.

• You cannot perform other action because of your medical condition(s) 
• You can no longer perform the same level of work you have in the past 
• Your disability has lasted for one year, expected to last one year, or result in death 

You can return to work but only under certain criteria. There is also a trial period of nine months to see whether you can work or not.

The SSI program is a needs-based program for disabled adults who cannot work with a limited income.  

Social Security Benefits are eligible to workers and families based on the worker’s current or past earnings.

When you reach full retirement age, your Social Security benefits will automatically rollover to retirement benefits. You may not receive both.

This decision can take time, but how much time depends on many factors.

• How quickly we receive medical evidence from your doctor or other medical sources 
• The nature of your disability 
• Whether we need to review your application for quality purposes 
• Whether you need to have a medical examination