Trauma Survivors Network - provided by ATS

Social Security Disability Insurance

To qualify for benefits, you must first have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and worked long enough under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits. Then you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability. In general, monthly cash benefits are paid to people who are unable to work for a year or more because of a disability. Your first Social Security benefit will be paid for the sixth full month after the date we find that your disability began. For example, if your disability began on June 15, 2005, your first benefit would be paid for the month of December 2005, the sixth full month of disability

Benefits usually continue until you are able to work again on a regular basis. There are also a number of special rules, called "work incentives," that provide continued benefits and health care coverage to help you make the transition back to work. If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, but the amount remains the same.

You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. You can complete an application online at SSDI Application or call the toll-free telephone number 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can call TTY 1-800-325-0778. You can also call or visit a local Social Security office. 

Reference:
www.ssa.gov