Social Security Q&A: What Is Substantial Gainful Activity?
Question: What is substantial gainful activity? Answer: Social Security uses the term “substantial gainful activity,” or “SGA,” to describe a level of work activity and earnings. Work is “substantial” if it involves doing significant physical or mental activities or a combination of both. If you earn more than a certain amount and are doing productive work, Social Security generally considers that you are engaging in substantial...
Social Security Q&A: Explaining Different Disability Documents
Question: What is the difference between the disability application and the disability report? Do I have to complete both? Answer: A disability application is a claim for Social Security disability benefits. A disability report provides information about your current physical or mental condition that is needed to process your disability application. To establish a claim for disability benefits, you need to file a disability...
Social Security Q&A: Do I Have to Wait a Year to Apply for Disability?
Question: I heard that my disability must be expected to last at least one year to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. Does this mean I have to wait until I’ve been disabled an entire year before applying for disability? Answer: No. If you believe your disability will last a year or longer, apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. Processing your application can take an average of three to five...
How to Get A Disability Application ‘Fast-Tracked’
Question: I’ve heard there is a way for my daughter to get her disability application on the “fast track.” How does this work? Answer: If your daughter has one of the more than 200 impairments on the Compassionate Allowances list at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/compassionateallowances, her application might be “fast-tracked” for a decision. Compassionate Allowances make it possible for applicants to receive a decision on their...
Social Security Q&A: Is There a Time Limit on Receiving Disability Benefits?
Question: Is there a time limit on how long I can receive Social Security disability benefits? Answer: Your disability benefits will continue as long as your medical condition has not improved and you cannot work. Social Security will periodically review your case to determine whether you continue to be eligible. If you are still receiving disability benefits when you reach your full retirement age, your disability benefits will...
