Department of Labor and Workforce Development | Social Security Disability Programs

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Social Security Disability Programs

Disability Determination Services handles claims for long-term disability filed with the Social Security Administration. If you are not filing for Social Security Disability you may be eligible for Temporary Disability benefits.

The law defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (work) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s), which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months.

Claimants

There are two programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (Title II) and Supplemental Security Income (Title XVI), that pay benefits to individuals who are found to be disabled under the law. (definition of disability) Title II provides cash benefits for those disabled workers, who have contributed to the Social Security Trust Fund, and pays benefits to their dependents. Title XVI (SSI) provides monthly payments to aged, blind and disabled people with limited income and resources. More

Healthcare Providers

Doctors and other health professionals play a major role in ensuring that their patients are aware of the provisions of the Social Security Disability Program. If you are involved directly in patient care, you probably have received requests from a State disability agency (usually called the "Disability Determination Services") to submit medical information on behalf of some of your patients. More

Resources

Definition of Disability

Claimant

Healthcare Provider