Applying for Social Security Disability
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability benefits to people who are unable to work due to a physical or mental impairment. The SSA defines disability as the “inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.” The SSA offers two types of disability benefits: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is available to people who have worked and paid into the Social Security system. SSI is available to people who have limited income and resources, regardless of their work history.