Social Security Blog

A: Workers’ compensation benefits may reduce your Social Security Disability benefits, but you can receive them at the same time. In general, if the total benefits exceed 80 percent of your average current earnings, your Social Security Disability benefit will be reduced.

A: Benefits typically are paid beginning in the sixth month after the disability started. The application and decision process may take a long time, so it is best to apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled.

A: The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs are both run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSDI provides benefits to people who are unable to work because of their disabilities. To be eligible, applicants must have a qualifying work history and be disabled or blind. SSI is a needs-based…

A: No. Your disability benefit will be based on your earnings history, not the specific nature of your disability.

A: Yes. To receive Social Security Disability benefits, you must have both a disability and a sufficient work history. The required work history depends on your age when your disability began; you must have worked for a certain number of years. Your work also must be recent enough to qualify.