Social Security disability law is a program under the auspices of the US Federal Government. The program is designed to provide income and benefits to those who are either physically or mentally disabled. The goal of SSD programs is to give the disabled worker and his or her family monetary support during that period which the disability persist and the worker is unable to earn an income. The law that applies to Social Security disability provides the benefits either on a temporary or permanent basis, these benefits are not to be confused with another government program called SSI, Supplemental Security Income which focuses on disabled individuals but the circumstances are different.
When the question is asked “what is Social Security disability law?” the answer consists of a number of conditions that must be met by the applicant. To be granted benefits, the person must have a physical or mental disability that stops them from earning a living. The disability is expected to last at least one year and the applicant must not yet have reached the age of 65; retirement age. Over and above these requirements the applicant must have enough in the way of qualifying income in the last ten years prior to the application. If all these rules can be met and the disability is one covered by the SSA then the person will be granted benefits for as long as the disability lasts.
Perhaps the most important consideration is whether or not the applicant is disabled in accordance with the law. Over and above the duration of the disability, the applicant must be in a position to prove that they are unable to do the work as they once did, and that he or she is incapable due to age, education or skills of doing another job. To be approved for benefits one must apply for benefits and provide considerable supporting documentation.
Another very important Social Security law addresses the applicants qualifying income. To gain acceptance the applicant must have sufficient work credits, and they must have been earned recently enough to be useful.
The award amount varies depending on the amount of income the approved applicant has made prior to the onset of the condition. As well as the applicant, the spouse and minor children of the applicant are eligible for benefits as long as the primary recipient continues to draw benefits.