Social Security Disability Guide
(Frequently Asked Questions about Social Security Disability)

This page provides links to answers to frequently asked questions about the Social Security Disability system:

1. Overview of Social Security Disability
   What is Social Security Disability and how does it differ from workers' compensation?
   
   
2. Social Security Disability and Workers' Compensation.
   What happens if you receive Social Security Disability benefits and workers' compensation benefits?
   
   
3. Eligibility Standards
   What are the three requirements you must satisfy to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits?
   
   
4. "Disability" Standard
   What is the Social Security standard for "disability"?
   
   
5. "Durational" Requirement
   What is the "durational requirement" which you must satisfy to be eligible for Social Security Disability?
   
   
6. "Disability Insured Status"
   What is "disability insured status" (which is another requirement which you must satisfy to be eligible for Social Security Disability)?
   
   
7. Claim Procedure
   What procedure does Social Security follow in processing a claim for disability benefits?
   
   
8. Initial Claim Application
   How is the initial claim application processed?
   
   
9. Reconsideration
   What happens on reconsideration?
   
   
10. The Administrative Law Judge Hearing
    What happens at the Administrative Law Judge hearing?
    
    
11. The "Five-Step" Evaluation Process
    What is the  five-step evaluation which the Administrative Law Judge will apply when considering the claim?
    
    
12. Vocational Evidence/The "Grids"
    How is vocational evidence used at the Administrative Law Judge hearing, and what are the "grids" which may be applied by the Administrative Law Judge?
    
    
13. The Appeals Council
    What happens when an Administrative Law Judge's decision is appealed to the Appeals Council?
    
    
14. Appeal to Federal Court
    What happens when an unfavorable Appeals Council decision is appealed to federal court?