A complete guide to Social Security disability benefits—everything you need to know, from qualifying and applying for your benefits to appealing the denial of a claim. Written by a former Social Security Administrative & doctor, this book provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at how, the SSA decides who is disabled and deserves benefits.

Social Security disability is an enormous program, with hundreds of thousands of people participating each year. Consequently, it's easy for both participants and first-time applicants to get lost in the system's bureaucracy.Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability is an essential book for anyone dealing with a long-term or permanent disability. Written both for first-time applicants and those who already receive Social Security disability, Dr. David Morton's book demystifies the program in plain English, thoroughly explaining:* what Social Security disability is* what benefits are available to disabled children* how to prove a disability* how age, education and work experience affect benefits* whether or not one can work while receiving benefits* how to appeal a denial of benefits* how to respond to a Continuing Disability Review* and much more

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a screening tool called the Listing of Impairments to identify claimants who are so severely impaired that they cannot work at all and thus immediately qualify for benefits. In this report, the IOM makes several recommendations for improving SSA's capacity to determine disability benefits more quickly and efficiently using the Listings.