Social Security Disability: How to Apply

The Social Security Disability program is a Federal program which provides assistance to people with disabilities. Studies show that a 20-year-old worker has a 3-in-10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age.

The Congress of the United States has defined disability, for purposes of entitlement to disabled worker's benefits as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. Leading causes of disability include:

• Many types of arthritis
• Related rheumatic diseases
• Other musculoskeletal conditions

The Social Security Disability program is administered by the (SSA) Social Security Administration. Specific criteria must be met to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. What should you do once you decide you are going to apply for Social Security Disability? Learn more in Social Security Disability: How to Apply.

Related Resources:

• Can I Continue to Work?
• Social Security Disability: Do You Qualify?
• Social Security Disability Benefits and Arthritis
• 61 Questions About Social Security Disability Services
• Self-Help Guide: Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

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