Question 1

Are there certain requirements to qualifiying for Social Security?

	Y
	N
The type of benefits you may be entitled to depends upon whether or not you have worked and for how long. Generally speaking, in order to qualify for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security income benefits, a person must be unable to engage in what the Social Security Administration calls "substantial gainful activity". Basically this means you must be unable to work.

Question 2

Will I qualify on the first day that I become disabled?

	Y
	N
You must have a "medically determinable physical or mental impairment" that has lasted or can be expected to last for 12 consecutive months and, in some way functionally restricts you. You must provide medical documentation showing that you cannot be reasonably expected to carry out your past job duties or any other job which "exists in significant numbers" in the national economy

Question 3

What is the first thing I must do when I become disabled?

	Collect the money
	Fill out the application
	Cry
	Give Up
Step 1. The application. First, you must have either applied for benefits at your local SSA office or have had an application taken over the telephone. This is what is called the "initial application". You must complete all forms that they require-- including a list of doctors you have seen, hospitals you have visited, the medications that were prescribed, how frequently you were seen for treatment and any restrictions you doctors suggested. They will provide you with "Authorizations for Release of information" which should be signed and returned. These forms give the "OK" to your doctors to release your confidential medical files to them. There is no cost to you for this. They will also ask that you tell them the type of work you have done in the past. Be as complete as possible. If you can´t remember all of your doctors, or don´t understand a question on the forms, have a friend assist you. But be sure to list ALL of your doctors--even if you don´t think that they are important. This will save a lot of time for you or your representative at future steps in the process. Once this is completed, your file is sent to an "analyst" who reviews your medical records to decide whether or not, in their view, your impairment is "severe" enough under the regulations for you to be considered "disabled." They will schedule you for a "consultative examination" by a physician, psychologist, or both. This too paid for by Social Security.

Question 4

Is it Improtant to list all of my doctors on the SSI Application?

	Y
	N
Be sure to list ALL of your doctors--even if you don´t think that they are important. This will save a lot of time for you or your representative at future steps in the process

Question 5

How is it determined if I am disabled or not?

	They take my word for it.
	They ask my doctor.
	The sequential evaluation process.
	They pick a number from 1 to 10
Once the consultative examination is completed and the analyst has a report from the doctor who examined you, they go through a five step process called the "sequential evaluation process" in deciding whether you are or are not disabled. It goes like this: Step 1. Are you currently engaged in "substantial gainful activity" ( e.g., working and earning more than $700 a month)? If so, you will be found "not disabled." If not, go to step 2. Step 2. Is your medical condition "severe"? If not, they will find you "not disabled." If so, go to step 3. Step 3. Does your condition meet or equal the severity level in the "Listing of Impairments?" If so, you will be found "disabled." The amount of benefits you may be entitled to if found disabled will depend on the extent of your work history. If your claim is for Supplemental Security Income, you must also meet "income" and "resource" guidelines in the regulations. If you do not meet or "equal" this listing, go to step 4. Step 4. Are you able to do your past relevant work? If yes, they will find you "not disabled." If no, go to step 5. Step 5. Your medical condition taken into account, do you have the "residual functional capacity" to perform any other type of job that exists in significant numbers in the national economy, given your age, education and experience? If yes, they will say you are "not disabled." If not, you will be found "disabled."

Question 6

Can I request a hearing if I do not agree with the decission?

	Y
	N

Question 7

Is it a good idea to retain a lawyer?

	Y
	N

Question 8

Are Social Security and SSI the same thing?

	Y
	N
SSI is short for Supplemental Security Income. It pays monthly benefits to people who are 65 or older, or blind, or have a disability and who don´t own much or have a lot of income. SSI isn´t just for adults. Monthly benefits can go to disabled and blind children, too. People who get SSI usually get food stamps and Medicaid, too. Medicaid helps pay doctor and hospital bills.

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