SHIBA

Social Security pays benefits to people with disabilities through the Social Security disability insurance program, which is covered by Social Security taxes. If you qualify, you can receive a monthly disability benefit from Social Security for as long as your disability keeps you from working. The amount of your benefit is based on your average lifetime earnings. After a period of time, usually after receiving cash benefits for 24 months, you can also receive Medicare coverage.

It usually takes the State of Oregon’s Disability Determination Service about three to five months to make medical determinations.  Then, if your application is approved, your first Social Security disability payment will be made for the sixth full month after the date they determine that your disability began.

Take a look at the disability starter kit now at www.socialsecurity.gov/disability, or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask that a kit be mailed to you.  Then visit this same secure website for the most convenient way to apply for benefits.