- Getting Other Disability Payments
- Getting disability payments from your job or another agency doesn’t automatically mean you’ll receive Social Security disability benefits. Social Security has different rules and doesn’t pay for partial disability.
- How Long Does It Take?
- A decision usually takes 3 to 5 months. The exact time depends on how long it takes to get your medical records and other information.
- How Does Social Security Decide?
- Your application goes to a state agency that makes the decision. They contact your doctors and get your medical records. They might send you forms or ask you for an examination or test. If they do, make sure you go. You won’t have to pay for any exams or tests they ask you to do.
- What Benefits Can I Get?
- If Social Security decides you are disabled, you can get benefits from two programs:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This program covers workers who paid into Social Security, their disabled spouses, and children (if disabled before age 22).
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with little or no income and resources.
- If Social Security decides you are disabled, you can get benefits from two programs:
- Is My Information Safe?
- Yes, Social Security keeps your personal information private. We follow the Privacy Act of 1974 to protect your information.
- If You Prefer a Language Other Than English
- You can bring a friend or relative to translate for you. Social Security offers free interpreter services, but you must inform them beforehand.
- Where to Get More Information
- Visit the Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov, ask during your appointment, or call 1-800-772-1213. For the deaf or hard of hearing, call TTY 1-800-325-0778.
