Social Security

Social Security pays benefits to an eligible individual when he, or she reaches retirement age, or is disabled, or about 20 other categories of claimants.

Social Security pays benefits to a worker, their children younger than 18 years of age, and their spouse if the spouse has minor children, or is otherwise eligible.

Social Security has its own definition of disability, so when your doctors says you are disabled and cannot work, it does not mean that you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits. Since Social Security denies about 70% of all applications on the initial and reconsideration stage, it will usually take about 18 months to get to a full hearing on a claim for disability benefits. 

Are you eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

SSD is for people who have worked and earned enough quarters of coverage for disability income. SSI is a supplemental program for people who receive low SSD payments, or have not worked enough quarters for SSD coverage but are financially needy.

People who receive SSD may also get MEDICARE. Those who receive SSI are entitled to get MEDI-CAL. Some people are eligible to receive all of these benefits.

To be eligible for either SSD or SSI, you must be unable to work due to a physical or mental impairment or combination of impairments.

You must show that your medical problems are expected to result in death or can be expected to last for at least 12 months.

You must also show that your medical problems are so severe that you cannot perform your past employment or any other "substantial gainful activity" that exists in the national economy.

The various types of benefits include not only SSD and SSI but also widow's (or widower's) benefits, benefits for dependent minors and disability benefits for children.