Personal Finance  

Social Security Q&A

McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Q: How old do I have to be to begin receiving Social Security disability benefits? I've been severely injured, but I'm still a young guy.

A: There is no minimum age requirement, as long as you have a disability that keeps you from working and is expected to last at least one year or end in death. To qualify for disability benefits you also must have worked long and recently enough under Social Security to earn the required number of work credits. The number of work credits you need for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. Younger workers don't need as many credits as older workers since younger people haven't had time to build up as much of a work history. In fact, in some cases a young worker could qualify for disability benefits with only 1.5 years of work. To learn how many credits you'll need to qualify for disability benefits, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/dibplan/dqualify3.htm. For more information, visit our Web site at www.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Q: I've been getting Social Security disability benefits for a few years now. I'm scheduled for a medical review next month. What should I expect?

A: As a part of your medical review, you will be asked to provide information about your medical treatment and any changes in your medical condition, as well as information on any work you may have done. Then a team consisting of a disability examiner and a doctor will review your file and request your medical reports. You might be asked to have a special examination, which Social Security will pay for. When the review is complete, Social Security will send you a letter telling you whether you still qualify to continue receiving disability benefits. If the decision is made to discontinue benefits, you have the right to appeal that decision. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov or call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213.