Social Security Programs

Question 1

Social Security & Supplemental Security Income disability programs

Answer 1

These programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities.
Both administered b Social Security Administration & only individuals who have a disability & meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.

Question 2

Social Security Disability Insurance

Answer 2

Pays benefits to you & certain members of your family if you are “insured” meaning that you worked long enough & paid Social Security taxes.

Question 3

Supplemental Security Income

Answer 3

pays benefits based on financial needs.

Question 4

Eligibility for disability benefits

Answer 4

a person must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA). A person who is earning more than a certain monthly amount is ordinarily considered to be engaging in SGA. The amount of monthly earnings considered as SGA depends on the nature of the person’s disabilities.

Question 5

Social Security Act

Answer 5

specifies a higher SGA amount for statutorily blind individuals; Federal regulations specify a lower SGA amount for non-blind individuals.
Both SGA amounts generally change with changes in the national average wage index.

Question 6

Amount for 2014

Answer 6

Monthly SGA amount for statutorily blind individuals is $1,800.
For non-blind individuals, the monthly SGA amount is $1,070.

Question 7

Social Security Difference

Answer 7

pays ONLY for total disability

Question 8

Disability in Social Security

Answer 8

based on your inability to work.
Considered if:
-you can’t do work that you did before.
-We decide that you can’t adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s).
-Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.