Social Security Disability Glossary

Applying for Social Security benefits can be complicated, especially when dealing with unfamiliar legal and medical terms. Understanding key terminology is essential for navigating the claims process, determining eligibility, and knowing what to expect if your claim is denied or requires an appeal.

Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)

A judge who oversees Social Security Disability hearings when a claimant appeals a denied SSDI or SSI application.

Example: After my SSDI claim was denied twice, I had to present my case at a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

Appeal

The process of challenging a denied SSDI or SSI claim through reconsideration, a hearing, the Appeals Council, or federal court.

Example: My initial SSDI application was denied, so I filed an appeal to have my case reviewed again.

Back Pay

Disability benefits owed to a claimant for the period between the established disability onset date and the date benefits are approved.

Example: Since my disability began in January 2022, but my benefits were approved in October 2023, I received 21 months of back pay.

Benefit Verification Letter

A document from the SSA confirming a person’s eligibility for disability benefits.

Example: I needed a Benefit Verification Letter to provide proof of my SSDI benefits when applying for housing assistance.

Compassionate Allowances (CAL)

A program that expedites the SSDI and SSI application process for individuals with severe, clearly disabling conditions.

Example: I was diagnosed with ALS, and because it’s a Compassionate Allowance condition, my SSDI claim was approved in just a few weeks.

Continuing Disability Review (CDR)

A periodic review conducted by the SSA to determine if a beneficiary still meets the disability criteria.

Example: I received a notice that my case was up for a Continuing Disability Review, which means I need to submit updated medical records.

Countable Income

The portion of an applicant's income that the SSA considers when determining eligibility for SSI benefits.

Example: I applied for SSI, but the SSA determined that my countable income, which included my part-time wages and a small pension, was too high for me to qualify for benefits.

Date Last Insured (DLI)

The last date a person remains eligible for SSDI benefits based on their work history and Social Security contributions.

Example: Since I stopped working in 2017, my Date Last Insured was in 2022, meaning I had to apply for SSDI before then to qualify.

Denial

A decision by the SSA stating that an applicant does not qualify for disability benefits.

Example: I received a denial letter stating that the SSA didn’t believe my condition was severe enough to qualify for benefits.

Disability Determination Services (DDS)

The state agency that evaluates disability claims at the initial and reconsideration levels.

Example: After I submitted my SSDI application, my case was sent to Disability Determination Services, where a claims examiner and medical consultant reviewed my medical records to decide if I met the SSA’s disability criteria.

Fully Favorable Decision

A decision where the SSA or an ALJ agrees that a claimant qualifies for disability benefits and recognizes the alleged disability onset date.

Example: The judge issued a Fully Favorable Decision, meaning I will receive benefits starting from the date I originally claimed I became disabled.

Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)

A medical assessment that measures an individual's ability to perform work-related tasks.

Example: After my injury, my doctor ordered a Functional Capacity Evaluation to determine if I could lift, carry, or stand for long periods at work.

Initial Claim

The first application submitted to the SSA requesting SSDI or SSI benefits.

Example: I submitted my initial claim for SSDI online, including all my medical records and work history information.

Income Limits

The maximum amount of earnings or financial resources an SSI recipient can have while still qualifying for benefits.

Example: I had to reduce my part-time work hours because my earnings exceeded the income limits for SSI eligibility.

Medical Improvement Expected (MIE)

A classification indicating that the claimant’s condition is expected to improve, leading to a CDR within 6 to 18 months.

Example: Since I had spinal surgery, my case was labeled as Medical Improvement Expected, so I have to undergo a review next year.

Medical Improvement Not Expected (MINE)

A classification meaning the claimant’s condition is unlikely to improve, leading to reviews about every 7 years.

Example: My disability is permanent, so my case is categorized as Medical Improvement Not Expected, and I won’t have a review for several years.

Medical-Vocational Guidelines (Grid Rules)

A set of rules used by the SSA to determine disability eligibility based on age, education, work experience, and medical condition.

Example: Since I was over 55 with limited education and no transferable job skills, the SSA approved my disability claim based on the Grid Rules.

Onset Date

The date the SSA determines a person’s disability began, which impacts the amount of back pay they receive.

Example: The SSA ruled my onset date was six months after I stopped working, so I won’t receive full back pay for that period.

Past Relevant Work (PRW)

Jobs performed within the last 15 years that the SSA considers when assessing an individual's ability to work.

Example: The SSA reviewed my past relevant work as a construction worker to determine if I could still perform any of my previous jobs.

Presumptive Disability (PD) Payments

Temporary payments provided to SSI applicants with certain severe medical conditions while their claims are being processed.

Example: Because I have a severe medical condition, I started receiving Presumptive Disability payments while my SSI application was under review.

Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)

An assessment of an individual’s ability to perform work-related tasks despite their medical condition.

Example: The SSA assessed my Residual Functional Capacity and determined that, despite my back injury, I could still perform sedentary work.

Social Security Administration (SSA)

The federal agency responsible for overseeing Social Security programs.

Example: After I applied for SSDI, the Social Security Administration reviewed my medical records and work history to decide if I was eligible for benefits.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

A federal program that provides benefits to individuals who have worked and paid into Social Security but are now unable to work due to a disability.

Example: Since I worked for 15 years and became disabled, I qualified for SSDI benefits based on my work credits.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The level of work activity and earnings considered significant by the SSA. If a claimant earns more than the SGA limit, they may not qualify for benefits.

Example: The SSA denied my claim because I was still earning over the SGA limit while working part-time.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

A needs-based disability program for individuals with limited income and resources who are blind, disabled, or aged 65 or older.

Example: Since I never worked, I applied for SSI instead of SSDI to receive disability benefits.

Trial Work Period (TWP)

A program that allows SSDI recipients to test their ability to work for up to nine months without losing benefits.

Example: I used the Trial Work Period to see if I could return to work while still receiving SSDI benefits.

Vocational Expert (VE)

A professional who provides testimony at disability hearings about the claimant’s ability to perform jobs in the national economy.

Example: At my disability hearing, the Vocational Expert testified that there were no jobs I could perform with my condition.