To qualify for social security disability benefits, you must have "a physical or mental impairment that is expected to keep you from doing any substantial work for at least a year" - or a condition that is expected to result in your death. Generally, $800 or more of monthly earnings are considered to be "substantial."
You should file a claim for disability benefits as soon as possible. Although in most cases the monthly disability benefits do not begin until the sixth full month of your disability, you can get the process started so that when the waiting period is satisfied, the benefits can be paid.
Social security disability benefits can be reduced if you get workers' compensation or other government disability benefits. The sum of all disability payments to you and your family is not supposed to exceed 80% of your averaged earning before you became disabled.
Social security disability benefits continue unless your condition improves or you return to substantial work. There are special rules which offer incentives to disabled persons to try working without the risk of a sudden loss of the monthly benefits and the Medicare coverage.
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