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SSA logo: link to Social Security Online home 501. Entitlement to Disabled Worker's Benefits

501.1 When are you entitled to disabled worker's benefits?

If you are a disabled worker, you are entitled to monthly cash benefits if you meet the following conditions:

  1. Are under a disability as defined in §507;

  2. Have filed an application for disabled worker's benefits (see§ 1502 and §1513 for the period during which an application is effective);

  3. Have disability insured status (see §207);

  4. Have completed a five-month waiting period, unless you are exempt from this requirement (see §502); and

  5. Have not reached full retirement age.

Your benefits begin with the first month that you meet all of the conditions above.

501.2 What are "auxiliary benefits?"

"Auxiliary benefits" are additional monthly benefits (see Chapter 3). These benefits may be payable to other family members on your earnings record if you are entitled to disabled worker's benefits. They are payable to your family members even when you are not receiving benefits because of imprisonment. (See §505(E).)

Last Revised: Jan. 16, 2004

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Last reviewed or modified Friday Sep 19, 2008

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