Disability
- Home
- Disability
Disability benefits are designed to provide financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to a
physical or mental health condition. These benefits help cover basic living expenses, ensuring that people
with disabilities can maintain stability and independence while focusing on their health. The Social Security
Administration (SSA) manages two main disability programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Both programs have specific requirements, and understanding how they work can help you determine
which one applies to your situation. Many people who qualify for one may also qualify for the other,
depending on their work history and income level.
To qualify for disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at
least one year or is expected to result in death. The condition must significantly limit your ability to perform
basic work-related activities. The Social Security Administration maintains a list of qualifying medical
conditions, but even if your specific condition is not listed, you may still be eligible if you can prove that it
limits your ability to work.
For SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits by working and paying Social Security taxes. The
number of work credits needed depends on your age when you became disabled. For SSI, you do not need
work credits — it is based on financial need and available to those with limited income and resources.
The application process for disability benefits begins with completing an application online or at your local
Social Security office. You will need to provide medical documentation, details about your work history, and
personal financial information. The SSA reviews this information to determine if you meet their definition of
disability.
The process can take several months, and many applicants are denied the first time due to missing
documentation or incomplete medical evidence. However, you have the right to appeal if you are denied.
Most people who eventually receive benefits are approved during the appeal stage after submitting
additional medical records or testimony.
Once approved, SSDI recipients receive monthly payments based on their previous earnings, while SSI
recipients receive payments based on their financial need. In many cases, beneficiaries also qualify for
health coverage such as Medicare or Medi-Cal after approval.
Living with a disability can be challenging — physically, emotionally, and financially. Disability benefits
provide much-needed financial relief for individuals who cannot maintain regular employment due to health
issues. These programs help cover essential needs like housing, food, and medical care, allowing
recipients to focus on their recovery and quality of life.
Applying for disability benefits can be confusing, especially when it comes to providing the right medical
records and documentation. Working with a professional representative can increase your chances of
getting approved the first time and help avoid unnecessary delays.
Marine Poghosyan, Your Authorized Representative, helps clients prepare their disability applications,
gather medical evidence, and communicate with the Social Security Administration. She assists at every
step — from the initial application to appeals — to make sure you get the support you deserve.