If you have been injured - whether at work or in an accident - and are unable to work again, you may qualify for certain benefits through Social Security.
Disability, as it is commonly referred to, provides monetary assistance to disabled persons under certain circumstances so they may pay bills and rent, and cover other necessities.
Disability differs from Workman's Compensation in that it is covered through Social Security, and may be paid out indefinitely - until you reach retirement age when you eventually start collecting Social Security - whereas Workman's Comp may not.
This, of course, depends upon your employer, but if you are not certain that you qualify for Disability it is a good idea to research your options.
Social Security Disability benefits are available to those who have been employed in jobs that Social Security covers.
Look at a recent paycheck - if any money has been taken out to cover these benefits you may qualify.
However, your injury or medical condition must be defined under Social Security in order to receive compensation.
To this end, the department has made available a list of medical and physical conditions that may qualify.
These illnesses and injuries may include and are not limited to:

• Visual impairments and/or blindness
• Hearing impairments and/or hearing loss
• Respiratory ailments - Cystic Fibrosis, asthma
• Spinal injuries and/or paralysis
• Amputation
• Heart disease
• Blood disease - hemophilia, sickle cell, bone marrow disease
• Neurological disorders - Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease
• Mental disorders
• Immunity disorders - lupus, HIV/AIDS

If you have been afflicted by a life-changing illness or injury, you will want to have a doctor examine you to determine if your condition qualifies you to receive these benefits from the government.
If what you have falls in line with the government's definition of "disability," you can apply online at the Social Security website or visit a local office.
If you are approved for the program, you will begin to receive payments six months after acceptance.
How much you will receive depends upon a number of factors ranging from your current age, what you earned at your job in the current calendar year, and when you had planned to retire.
Let's say, now, that you have confirmation of your disability and you have gone through the appropriate channels to apply for assistance, yet you are rejected.
What now? You may wish to obtain the services of an attorney with a concentration in Social Security and Disability issues to help you.
Sometimes disputes can be resolved effectively to your favor; it is only a matter of exploring the options.