It takes a little more to qualify for disability than it does to qualify for retirement. To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must have worked long enough and recently enough under the current laws. For each year you work, you can earn up to four credits, maximum. Each credit is based on a certain amount of money earned; the amount of earnings required for a credit usually increase each year, as general wage levels increase.

Yes, but you must immediately tell SSA about your work activities. There are special rules that govern work activities depending on whether you are a claimant or a beneficiary.

Social Security Disability is a benefit received from the Social Security Administration by disabled workers and in some cases their dependents, similar to those received by retired workers. To receive benefits under the Social Security Disability program, you must have a physical or mental health problem (or a combination of problems) severe enough to keep you from working in any regular paying job for at least one year.

Anyone, regardless of age, may receive disability benefits so long as his or her disability meets Social Security's definition of disability. Under certain conditions, a disabled worker's family may qualify for disability benefits, as well. For example, the following family members may be eligible to receive disability benefits under Social Security: A spouse of any age who is caring for the worker's disabled child, so long as the child is also receiving benefits.

A disabled claimant will receive the same monthly benefit that he would receive had he retired at full retirement age (65 years old or more depending on age). The sum of money received will depend on one's previous work record.

Until the Social Security Administration completes a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) and finds evidence of medical improvement, or you regain your ability to return to work. If you were employed five out of the last ten years under Social Security before becoming disabled, you have enough earnings for benefits. If you are 31 years of age or less, the requirements are less since such individuals have not worked for a long time.

The Social Security Administration reduces your disability benefits, if you receive worker's compensation benefits that are calculated into your claim, and it depends upon the type of worker's compensation that you receive.

Social Security and Disability: We'll need a copy of a recent award letter, and a current check stub (or a copy of a bank statement if direct deposit). It is also necessary to show that it is a permanent disability. Pension: Recent check stub, and any forms you have showing the duration of payments. The goal is to prove your income. You'll need two years completed and signed tax returns. Keep in mind we only count 75% (90% if Government loan) of the rental income, but 100% of the expenses.

You will receive Social Security Disability benefits as long as you remain disabled and unable to work. Your benefits will not run out because you did not contribute enough into the Social Security system.

If your medical condition is such that you are able to try to work, you can usually get a Trial Work Period, whereby your benefits would continue for nine months even while you are working. If you are successful, your benefits will then stop. However, if it turns out you are not able to complete the nine months, your benefits will continue.

You have to have been disabled for at least one year or expect to be disabled for at least one year. So, If you expect to be out of work for one year or more due to illness or injury, you should file for Social Security disability benefits.

Yes. However, if you earn more than what Social Security considers as substantial gainful activity (SGA), then you will lose your benefits. For 2005, the SGA increased from $810 to $830 per month. If your impairment is blindness, you can earn as much as $1380 a month in 2005. These amount are adjusted each year, and are based on the national average wage. Deductions from your pay are included in figuring your SGA.

Social Security benefits are determined by wages reported each year for you. Benefits are calculated on the earnings a person receives during his/her lifetime. The higher the earnings and the number of years worked, the more the monthly benefit will be. Benefits are payable at full retirement age for anyone meeting the minimum criteria for social security credits (with reduced benefits available as early as age 62).

About 20 percent of people who get Social Security have to pay taxes on their benefits. This provision affects only people who have substantial income in addition to their Social Security. If you file a federal tax return as an individual, and your combined income* is between $25,000 and $34,000, you may have to pay taxes on 50 percent of your Social Security benefits. If your combined income* is above $34,000, up to 85 percent of your Social Security benefits is subject to income tax.

You can fill out an application for Social Security Disability benefits at the local Social Security office nearest to your home or by telephone. The address and telephone number of your local Social Security office can be obtained by calling 1-800-772-1213. When applying you should be prepared to give Social Security a list with the names, addresses and phone numbers of all the doctors, hospitals or clinics who have treated you for your condition.

If you are getting disability benefits on your own work record, or if you are a widow or widower getting benefits on a spouse's record, your payments cannot begin before the sixth full month of disability. If the sixth month has passed, your first payment may include some back benefits. Your check should arrive on the third day of every month. If the third falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, you will receive your check on the last banking day before then.

If you worked at a job for the required years covered under the Social Security Act, and become disabled, you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Your disability may be due to physical problems, emotional conditions, or both. SSA grants benefits if you have a disability that is severe enough to keep you from working in any regular paying job for at least 12 consecutive months, or if your disability is one that can result in death.