Social Security Disability Benefits are financial assistance programs provided by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to individuals who are unable to work due to a physical or mental health condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death.

To be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits, an individual must have worked long enough and recently enough to earn sufficient credits, as determined by the SSA. They must also have a disability that meets the SSA’s definition of disability.

The SSA defines disability as the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that is expected to last at least one year or result in death.

The application process for Social Security Disability Benefits involves filling out an application online, over the phone, or in person at a local SSA office. The application will ask for information about the applicant’s medical condition, work history, and other pertinent information. The SSA will review the application and may request additional information or medical records. The process can take several months to complete.

If an application for Social Security Disability Benefits is denied, the applicant can appeal the decision. The first level of appeal is a Request for Reconsideration, where the application will be reviewed again by a different SSA representative. If the Request for Reconsideration is also denied, the applicant can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. If the hearing is also unsuccessful, the applicant can request review by the Appeals Council and, ultimately, file a lawsuit in federal court.

The amount of money an individual can receive in Social Security Disability Benefits depends on their work history and earnings. The average monthly benefit amount in 2021 is $1,277, but it can range from $800 to $3,148 per month. There is also a maximum family benefit amount that can be paid to dependents of the disabled individual.