ABSTRACT
During the course of their careers, rehabilitation professionals are routinely called upon to provide services to clients with disabilities and to identify the benefits and services available to these individuals. Similarly, family members and caregivers often benefit from education regarding disability benefits and the course of action needed to apply for these benefits from their service providers. Accordingly, rehabilitation professionals are encouraged to maintain an appropriate appreciation of the benefits available to individuals who are disabled, as well as the disability determination process utilized by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The purpose of this chapter is to provide the reader with a working appreciation of the disability determination process, for both children and adults, employed by the Social Security Administration. Additionally, contact information for area disability determination service offices and other resources are provided.
