Social Security disability benefits (SSD) are provided by the Social Security Administration for disabled individuals who have become sick, injured or otherwise disabled, and are unable to work, and the condition has lasted or is expected to last for a year or longer or result in death.
Social Security disability benefits are based on your income and having paid into the Social Security system.
The most important thing to remember if you are disabled with either a physical or mental problem, or combination, is to see a qualified doctor to have your condition documented.
The doctor should provide a diagnosis of your condition and explain his or her opinions based on physical examinations as well as relevant objective medical testing, such as x-rays, MRI's, EMG's, CAT scans, etc.
The doctor should also comment on any work limitations and restrictions you have.
Social Security has its own regulations and guidelines with respect to finding someone to be disabled under its rules.
These rules are not the same as other systems such as New York State workers' compensation, and Social Security disability benefits will take into consideration your age, education, work history, and ability to find other employment within your capabilities.
Even if you returned to work after a year, you still may be eligible for benefits for the time you were out of work, if Social Security finds that you were disabled under its guidelines for that period.
Supplemental security income benefits (SSI) has the same standards for disability findings, but is for individuals with no or limited assets, or people who do not pay into the Social Security tax system and do not qualify for SSD benefits.