In this guide-

+ Background on Social Security disability benefits
+ How to tell if you're eligible for Social Security disability benefits
+ How to get help with your Social Security disability benefits case

This short guide was created to help you understand the basics of Social Security disability benefits and to help you determine your eligibility to the Social Security disability benefits program. We do not provide any Social Security disability benefit-related services, so you can be assured that all of the information in this guide is independent and unbiased.

Background on Social Security disability benefits
The Social Security disability program was put in place to take care of people who become disabled and are no longer able to work. Studies have shown that a 20-year-old worker has almost a 30% chance of becoming disabled at some point in his or her career. The Social Security disability program is funded through payroll contributions (this shows up on your pay stub as 'FICA') of working Americans- 6.2% goes to Social Security, 1.45% goes to Medicare, and .9% goes to the disability program. To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must have contributed to the Social Security program and have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability. In general, Social Security pays monthly cash benefits to people who are unable to work for a year or more because of a disability.

How to tell if you're eligible for Social Security disability benefits
Determining your eligibility to the Social Security disability benefits program can be confusing and problematic, and often, professional assistance is required or desired to help navigate the processes and procedures. Also, professional assistance can be helpful if you have been denied Social Security disability benefits. However, here are some guidelines that might give you an idea as to your eligibility:

The Social Security Administration (SSA) identifies a disability as an 'inability to engage in any gainful activity because of a physical or mental impairment'. According to their guidelines, benefits are only paid for total disability- no benefits are paid for partial or short-term disability. Disability is based on your inability to work- to either perform work that you did prior to your medical condition, or that you are unable to adjust to other work. Furthermore, your disability must last for at least one year to be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The SSA requires that substantial medical evidence be presented in order to receive disability benefits.

The second major qualification to receive Social Security disability benefits is that you must have 'paid' enough into the Social Security system. Generally, the number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits is 40, and 20 of those had to have been earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled. This is a general guideline, and younger workers may qualify with fewer work credits.