Disability Insurance Benefits

Name	Disability Insurance Benefits - Social Security
Non-Financial Eligibility Conditions	Disabled, you must show that you are "currently insured." Insured status is based on your work and earnings history and the payment of social security taxes (also called "FICA" taxes)
Income Eligibility Conditions	None, you can have any amount of other income. However, if you have income from employment it can affect whether you meet the definition of disabled. Income limits to be considered disabled: $900 per month for disabled or $1,500 per month for the blind in 2007. Do these numbers change?
Asset Eligibility Conditions	None; you can have any asset of any value
Benefit	Depends on your work and earnings history that was reported to Social Security.
Apply At	Social Security office. Learn how to apply for your disability benefits and locate the local Social Security office by your zip code
Appeals	You can appeal any denial, termination, or reduction of benefits You must file an appeal within 60 days of the date of the written notice with which you disagree. In addition, you have a 5 day "grace period" to allow for the mailing of the notice to you, making the total amount of time you have to file an appeal 60+5 days.
Source of the Funds	Social Security Trust Fund - You paid into this fund while you worked in covered employment.
You Also Would Be Eligible For	Medicare, after two years of eligibility for Disability Insurance Benefits
Sources Of Law	Federal Law: 42 U.S.C. §§ 401 to 434, specifically "§ 423. Disability insurance benefit payments" Federal Regulations: Generally, 20 C.F.R. §§ 404.1 to 404.2127. The law and regulations are long and complicated, so it is hard to get a quick overview or to find any specific topic. The best way to get quick, clear information is The Social Security Handbook. Federal Policy Materials
Other	You can get forms, pamphlets, and much more from the Social Security Administration's web site.

Source: Maryland Legal Assistance Network (MLAN)

Last legal review April 2007 (MLAN/GG)

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