Here are the answers to some other commonly asked questions about the Social Security disability program:

What do I do if my claim has been denied?
As mentioned above, Social Security requires that substantial medical evidence be produced in order to get disability benefits. Often, a doctor or another government agency will diagnose a person as disabled, but Social Security will still deny the disability claim. There are many reasons for such a denial, including errors on the part of the person performing the review, inadequate or incomplete medical information, failure of the disabled person to fully report all of the medical or psychiatric conditions from which they are suffering, a belief that the worker can still perform other work, and so on.

How long will my benefits continue?
Social Security disability benefits usually continue until you are able to work again on a regular basis. There are also a number of special rules, called "work incentives," that provide continued benefits and health care coverage to help you make the transition back to work. If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits when you reach retirement age, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits at the same monthly amount.

Can other members of my family get benefits?
Certain members of your family may qualify for benefits on your record. They include:

· Your spouse who is age 62 or older, or any age if he or she is caring for a child of yours who is under age 16 or disabled and also receiving checks.
· Your disabled widow or widower age 50 or older. The disability must have started before your death or within seven years after your death. (If your widow or widower caring for your children receives Social Security checks, she or he is eligible if she or he becomes disabled before those payments end or within seven years after they end.)
· Your unmarried son or daughter, including an adopted child, or, in some cases, a stepchild or grandchild. The child must be under age 18 or under age 19 if in high school full time.
· Your unmarried son or daughter, age 18 or older, if he or she has a disability that started before age 22. These children are considered disabled if they meet the adult definition of disability.

What if my disability benefits application is denied?
After Social Security has reviewed your disability benefits application and the information you have provided, they may decide that you do not meet the qualifications for disability benefits. If you disagree with that decision, you have the right to ask Social Security to review your application again. The declined notice you receive will explain how to make the review request and your deadline for submitting it.