What You Need to Know About Social Security's Disability Benefits

In this series, “Social Security Secrets,” experts Larry Kotlikoff and Phil Moeller explain the most important things you need to know about this valuable retirement benefit. Kotlikoff and Moeller are co-authors of the New York Times best-seller Get What’s Yours: The Secrets to Maxing Out Your Social Security.

Social Security benefits aren't just about retirement, explain Phil Moeller and Larry Kotlikoff, co-authors of Get What's Yours: The Secrets to Maxing Out Your Social Security. Disability benefits are given to workers are no longer able to work. The amount you receive each month for disability depends on your work record, and it hardly ever tops $1,100. Once you qualify for disability payments, there's a delay before you start receiving your money. Other important points: Your disability benefits become your Social Security benefits once reach full retirement age, and those benefits may affect other benefits you are receiving.