DisabilitySecrets - SSDI and SSI Benefits Information

If you’re struggling to
get Disability Benefits,
don’t give up.

We can help you unlock the disability
benefits you deserve.

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Where to Start

If you’re considering applying for disability benefits

Learn about your options when your medical condition keeps you from working.

How Much Are Disability Benefits? Do You Qualify? How SSDI Works More about applying

If you didn’t get benefits the first time

Many people aren’t awarded benefits until after they’ve appealed twice.

What if You Get Denied? Chances of Winning an Appeal How Long Do Appeals Take? More about appeals

If you’re scheduled to attend a hearing

Your disability hearing is your best shot at winning your case, so make the most of it.

What Happens at a Hearing? How to Answer Trick Questions Valid Reasons You Can’t Work More about hearings

If you’ll be out of work for less than a year

Short- and long-term disability benefits are options for temporary medical disorders.

Short-Term Disability Benefits What Qualifies for Short-Term Benefits? Eligibility for Long-Term Disability More about short-term disability

If you were injured on the job

Workers’ comp provides cash benefits and medical care when you get hurt at work.

Permanent Disability Ratings Calculating Permanent Disability Benefits Can You Be Fired on Workers’ Comp? More about worker’s comp

Get Expert Help

Learn how we can connect you with skilled legal professionals to help you get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

More about expert help

Our Authors

Since 2004, we've been helping people on their journey toward getting disability benefits by providing readers with thoroughly researched articles, written by experts in disability law. Learn more about our mission, background, and editorial guidelines on our About Us page.

Bethany Laurence, Attorney

DisabilitySecrets Editor

Bethany Laurence is a member of the California State Bar who holds a J.D. from UC Law San Francisco. During law school, she volunteered at a disability law clinic in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco. More >

Diana Chaikin, Attorney

DisabilitySecrets Editor

Diana Chaikin is an attorney and member of the Washington State Bar. She previously worked for the Social Security Administration and later in private practice, where she gained extensive experience representing claimants at their disability hearings. More >

Aaron Hotfelder, J.D.

DisabilitySecrets Editor

Aaron Hotfelder is a member of the Missouri State Bar who focuses on disability and workers' compensation law. Prior to working as a legal editor, Aaron worked at a law firm as an attorney representing clients in Social Security disability, long-term disability, and workers’ compensation cases. More >

Testimonials

“Disability Secrets is one of the most complete websites and will walk you through the process and explain what your rights are and how to obtain them.”

Richard Brassaw, author of
disabilityhappens.com

“For people who prefer self-research, we recommend Nolo's 'Disability Secrets' website as an excellent educational resource.”

Law Offices of
Kirk and Teff, LLP

“Disability Secrets has an excellent library of articles on how to get approved for hundreds of different conditions.”

Lily Silver, author of
the disability guide How to Get On

If you’re struggling to get Disability Benefits, don’t give up.

Where to Start

If you’re considering applying for disability benefits

If you didn’t get benefits the first time

If you’re scheduled to attend a hearing

If you’ll be out of work for less than a year

If you were injured on the job

Get Expert Help

More Topics

Trending Questions

What's the Difference Between SSDI and SSI?

What's My Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)?

What Are the Non-Medical Requirements for Disability?

What Is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)?

Can I Get Disability If I Haven't Worked in a While?

How Much Will I Get in Backpay?

How Do I File an Application for SSDI Benefits?

Can You Work While Receiving SSDI?

What Is a Consultative Exam?

What's the Best Way to Apply for SSDI or SSI?

Can I Get a Disability Lawyer for Free?

Should I Agree to a Video Hearing?

How Long Does a Decision Take After an Exam?

Will My Spouse's Income Affect My Benefits?

When Does Medicare Start for SSDI?

What Happens After You're Approved?

When Are the Payment Dates for SSDI and SSI?

Does SSDI or SSI Pay Rent or Utilities?

How Many Hours Can I Work on Disability?

Will I Get Medicare or Medicaid With Disability?

Can I Receive Veterans Disability and SSDI?

When Will I Get My Disability Backpay?

Why Do I Have to Spend My SSI Backpay?

Can I Start a Business on SSDI?

Will Starting SSDI End My Medicaid?

Our Authors

Bethany Laurence, Attorney

Diana Chaikin, Attorney

Aaron Hotfelder, J.D.

Testimonials

If you’re struggling to
get Disability Benefits,
don’t give up.