| The law defines disability as the inability to engage in | | | | even if there have been no payments made into the |
| any substantial gainful activity by reason of any | | | | Social Security trust fund. |
| medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) | | | | There are three ways to file for these programs. First, |
| which can be expected to result in death of which has | | | | you can visit your local Social Security Administration |
| lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous | | | | Office. Second, you can file online at Third, you can call |
| period of not less than 12 months. This must be shown | | | | the national Social Security toll free number at |
| by medically acceptable clinical and laboratory | | | | 800-772-1213. |
| diagnostic tecnniques. | | | | Your file is turned over to an independent group called |
| There are two programs administered by the Social | | | | Disability Determination Services. They will make the |
| Security Administration (SSA). First is the Social | | | | determination based on factors including medical |
| Security Disability Insurance Program. This provides a | | | | records. If they find the claimant disabled, SSA will |
| benefit for individuals who are insured under the Act | | | | complete any outstanding non-disability development, |
| through their contributions to the Social Security trust | | | | compute the benefit amount, and begin paying benefits. |
| fund through the Social Security tax on their earnings. | | | | If the claimant is found not disabled, the file stays at |
| In order to be eligible for this benefit you have to have | | | | the SSA in case the claimant files an appeal. |
| worked at least 20 quarters out of the last 40 | | | | Appeals are handled by contacting the same offices |
| quarters (5 of the last 10 years). | | | | above. At this point many choose to hire a Social |
| The second is the Supplemental Security Income | | | | Security Disability Lawyer. Normally, the attorneys |
| Program. This provides payment for individuals who | | | | won't charge a fee unless a benefit is won. |
| are disabled and have limited income and resources, | | | | |