NOSSCROnline
National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives
Social Security Disability
Frequently Asked Questions

Please Read this Disclaimer First
Courtesy and Copyright Charles T. Hall, Esq.
NOSSCR Sustaining Member and Past President
  1. What is the definition of disability used by Social Security?
  2. How many different types of Social Security disability benefits are there?
  3. How do I apply for Social Security disability benefits?
  4. I am disabled, but I have plenty of money in the bank. Do I have to wait until this money is gone before I apply for Social Security disability benefits?
  5. I used to work but lately I have been staying home taking care of the kids. I have now become sick. Can I get Social Security disability benefits?
  6. How long do I have to wait after becoming disabled before I can file for Social Security disability benefits?
  7. I am still on sick leave from my employer. Can I file for Social Security disability now or do I have to wait until the sick leave is exhausted?
  8. I got hurt on the job. I am drawing worker's compensation benefits. Can I file a claim for Social Security disability benefits now or should I wait until the worker's compensation ends?
  9. Can I get both worker's compensation and Social Security disability benefits?
  10. How can I tell if I will be found disabled by Social Security?
  11. Can you receive Social Security disability benefits for _________________ (insert the name of whatever disease you are interested in)?
  12. Do you have to be permanently disabled to get Social Security disability benefits?
  13. I have several health problems, but no one of them disables me. It is the combination that disables me. Can I get Social Security disability benefits?
  14. I got hurt in an automobile accident. I am disabled now, but I expect that I will be able to return to work after I recover. Should I file for Social Security disability benefits?
  15. How does Social Security determine if I am disabled?
  16. Who decides if I am disabled?
  17. Why does Social Security consider my age in determining whether I am disabled?
  18. Is there a list of impairments that Social Security considers disabling?
  19. What can I do to improve my chances of winning my Social Security disability claim?
  20. How do I find an attorney to represent me before on my Social Security disability claim?
  21. If I am approved for Social Security disability benefits, how much will I get?
  22. How far back will they pay benefits if I am found disabled?
  23. What do I do if Social Security denies my claim for Social Security disability benefits?
  24. Why does Social Security turn down so many claims for disability benefits?
  25. I only want to get back the money I put in Social Security. Why do they make it so hard for me to get my own money back?
  26. What is "reconsideration"?
  27. Who makes the reconsideration determination?
  28. What are my chances of winning at reconsideration?
  29. Do I have to go through reconsideration?
  30. How long does it take to get a hearing on a Social Security disability claim?
  31. What is the Social Security hearing like?
  32. What are my chances of winning at a hearing?
  33. If the Administrative Law Judge denies my claim, can I appeal any more?
  34. What is the Appeals Council?
  35. Can I appeal a case beyond Social Security to the Federal Courts?
  36. If I get on Social Security disability benefits and get to feeling better and want to return to work, can I return to work?
  37. Where can I go to get help with my Social Security disability claim?
  38. Do I really have to hire a lawyer to represent me in my Social Security disability claim?
  39. How do lawyers who represent Social Security disability claimants get paid?
  40. Can alcoholics and drug addicts really get Social Security disability benefits?
  41. I know someone who is on Social Security disability and he does not look a bit disabled. Why do they put all of these freeloaders on benefits?
  42. I am disabled, but I have never worked at public work. Can I get Social Security disability benefits?
  43. I am a widow. I have not worked in public work in many years. I am disabled. Can I get Social Security disability benefits?
  44. I have a daughter who has been disabled by cerebral palsy since birth and has never been able to work. Can she get disability benefits from Social Security?
  45. I am already on Social Security disability benefits, but I am worried that my benefits will be stopped in the future. What are the chances of this happening?
  46. If Social Security tries to cut off my disability benefits, what can I do?
  47. My doctor says I am disabled so why is Social Security denying my Social Security disability claim?
  48. VA says I am disabled, so why is Social Security denying my Social Security disability claim?
  49. I am 60% disabled. Do I get 60% of my Social Security disability benefits?
  50. I am disabled by mental illness. Can mental illness serve as the basis for a Social Security disability claim?
  51. Will it help if I ask my Congressional Representative to help me get Social Security disability benefits?
  52. How long does it take before Social Security makes a decision once I file a claim for Social Security disability benefits?
  53. How long does it take for Social Security to make a reconsideration determination on my Social Security disability claim?
  54. How long does it take for Social Security to act upon a request for Appeals Council review?
  55. I am disabled. I need help with medical bills even more than I need a cash income. How do I get help with medical bills?
  56. What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
  57. If I get Social Security disability benefits will I get Medicare?
  58. If I get Social Security disability benefits will I get Medicaid?
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