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GovBenefits.gov - helps citizens access government benefit eligibility information through a free, confidential, and easy-to-use online screening tool. After answering some basic questions, the user receives a customized report listing the benefit programs for which the user, or person for whom he or she is entering information, may be eligible".
http://www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits_en.portal.
NOTE: personal questions (name, social security number, etc.) are NOT requested.
State specific
Programs that are available from each state.
http://www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits_en.portal/states
State Disability resources
This is a good resource, listing important state offices.
http://www.nichcy.org/states.htm
State Liasons
State liasons and their contact information for questions or concerns regarding:
- Vocational rehabilitation (VR) program
- Supported employment (SE) program
- Independent living (IL) program
- Independent living services program for older individuals who are blind
"The Social Security Administration`s Web site provides information about Retirement, Survivors and Disability Insurance Benefits, and Supplemental Security Income. The site also provides wage reporting information for employers. All links to Social Security Online (ssa.gov) will take you to a government site. Social Security does not endorse, or appear to endorse, any commercial products or services"
Social Security
Disability Eligibility
To be covered by S.S.D.I. you must have worked
at jobs which are covered by Social Security. In addition you
must have a medical condition that qualifies for benefits. This
page explains how the government determines who has worked enough
to qualify for benefits.
http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify2.htm
Applying for
benefits
Can be done online at a secure government site. At
this site you can apply for disability benefits, benefits for
your spouse, restart an incomplete application, and check your
claim status.
http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/adult.htm
Applying can also be done by calling
1-800-772-1213 or contacting your local Social Security
office.
How the
government determines who is disabled.
The law defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful
activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical
or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death
or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous
period of not less than 12 months. Disability Determination
Services will try to collect evidence from you first, using your
medical sources first. If more evidence is needed the
determination service will arrange for a medical examination by
your doctor or a provider selected by the government.
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/determination.htm
Disability
starter kits are available from the government.
These kits contain the fact sheet "What You Should Know before You Apply for
Social Security Disability Benefits". It also contains a
checklist of information and documents to have ready for your
disability interview. There is also a worksheet for the adult
applicant. It lists information that will be asked for you to
provide.
http://www.ssa.gov/starter kit
Impairments that qualify for disability. This list is applicable to individual 18 years and over, and to children where criteria is appropriate. By clicking on the link you will be taken to a government web page for that particular impairment.
Childhood
impairments
It is very
important to check the particular impairments that your child may
have. Childhood listings will give consideration to the disease
process in childhood.
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/ChildhoodListings.htm.
The Office on Women's Health
Established in 1991 within the US Department of Health and Human Services. OWH coordinates the efforts of all the HHS agencies and office involved in women's health. OWH works to improve the health and well-being of women and girls in the United States.
* http://www.4women.gov
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