Disability Law FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions readers ask us about Social Security disability, workers' compensation, and protection from disability discrimination.

Will My SSDI or SSI Benefits Transfer Between States?

Both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are federal programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

What Does a Social Security Representative Payee Do?

A social security representative payee helps disabled individuals manage their benefits.

What can I do if Social Security didn't give me the correct disability start date?

I applied for SSDI in January of 2016 and, although I have been disabled since a major surgery on 01/20/14, SSDI chose 01/20/15 as my effective disability start date.

What Will Cause Your Social Security Disability Benefits to Stop?

If you start working, or your medical condition improves, or you change your living situation, your disability benefits could be terminated.

Do My Disability Benefits Remain Intact If I Get Married?

Social Security benefits sometimes make up the bulk of a person's income, so it's important to know whether getting married will affect the receipt of these benefits.

How Does an Addiction to Prescribed Narcotics Affect Disability Benefits?

Dependency on prescribed narcotics won't keep you from getting disability, assuming you have a severe medical impairment other than drug addiction.

California Workers' Comp

Let Nolo help you manage your California workers' compensation claim, from start to finish.

Social Security, Medicare & Government Pensions: Get the Most out of Your Retirement & Medical Benefits

Nolo's book covers Medicaid rules for seniors and persons with disabilities.

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability

Written by a former SSA medical consultant, Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability is the essential book for learning about the disability process, and can be helpful whether you hire or lawyer or not.

Your Rights in the Workplace: The comprehensive guide

Get the facts on disability discrimination and how to protect your rights.