Social Security - The Red Book (2024)

Red Book

Red Book Home

Introducing The Red Book

What's New In 2024?

Contacting Us

How Do We Define Disability?

Overview Of Our Disability Programs

Returning To Work

How Do Employment Supports Help?

Resources To Assist You Return To Work

Resources To Assist Youth With the Transition To A Successful Adulthood

SSDI and SSI Employment Supports

SSDI Only Employment Supports

SSI Only Employment Supports

Special Rules For Persons Who Are Blind

Additional Help With Health Care For Persons With Disabilities

Example of Concurrent Benefits With Employment Supports

Demonstration Projects Update

Glossary

< Previous Section Table of Contents Next Section >

How to Reach Social Security

Online

Visit our website at www.ssa.gov. Social Security publications and other public information materials are available online. You may also contact us by email at: support@choosework.ssa.gov.

Links that may be of interest to the community serving people with disabilities:

By Telephone

For questions about work incentives and to find out more about our Ticket to Work Program, please call our Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday.

For general Social Security inquiries, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Find Your
Local Office

If you have a problem or question, try our toll-free telephone number first. Our telephone representatives will either help you or put you in contact with your local office, if needed.

You can find your local office by going to the Social Security Office Locator at www.ssa.gov/locator. Enter your ZIP code to get the address, telephone number, and directions to your local office.
By Mail

If you are unable to resolve a problem after calling our toll-free telephone number or after contacting your local office, you may write to the Office of Public Inquiries:

Social Security Administration
Office of Public Inquiries and Communications Support
1100 West High Rise
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21235-6401

my Social Security

A free and secure my Social Security account provides personalized tools for everyone, whether you receive benefits or not. You can use your account to:

  • Get your benefit verification letter.
  • Check your benefit and payment information.
  • Estimate future benefits.
  • Check the status of your Social Security benefit application or appeal filed with us.
  • Change your address and phone number. (Social Security beneficiaries only)
  • Start or change your direct deposit. (Social Security beneficiaries only)
  • Get a replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S for tax season.
  • Request a replacement Medicare card.
  • Report wages if you are working and receive Social Security Disability benefits or SSI.

Setting up your personal my Social Security account is quick, secure, and easy. Get your account today!

Visit www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ to learn more and sign up today!

Request copies of the Red Book or other SSA Publications

If you want copies of the Red Book or other public information materials, you can:

Email:DCBFM.OFLM.OMLM.RQCT.Orders@ssa.gov;
Fax:410-965-2037;
Phone: 410-965-2039; or
Mail: Social Security Administration
Office of Supply & Warehouse Management
Attn: Requisition and Quality Control Team
2508 Robert M. Ball Building
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21235-6301

We will not ship to Post Office boxes.

Send Comments or Suggestions about the Red Book

Mail your comments to:

Social Security Administration
Office of Research, Demonstration, and Employment Support
Attention: Red Book Editor
P.O. Box 17778
Baltimore, MD 21235-7778

or Fax your comments to:
410-597-0825,
Attention: Red Book Editor

or Email: red.book.editor@ssa.gov

Social Security - The Red Book (2024)

FAQs

How to answer questions to get approved for disability? ›

  1. 7 tips for answering questions at a disability hearing.
  2. Only answer questions if someone asks you directly.
  3. Be specific.
  4. Don't over-explain.
  5. Don't exaggerate or minimize your symptoms.
  6. Answer based on how you feel most days.
  7. Stay consistent with information in your application.
  8. Be polite.
Dec 8, 2022

How can I get answers to Social Security questions? ›

For general Social Security inquiries, call us toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.

What not to say during disability hearing? ›

Unless the ALJ asks if you have ever had problems with substance abuse or have a criminal record, it's best to keep silent on the subject. Why? Because this type of information, in theory, does not affect your current disability, and can taint the judge's view of your character.

What is the red book for Social Security? ›

The Red Book serves as a general reference source about the employment-related provisions of the Social Security Disability Insurance and the Supplemental Security Income Programs for educators, advocates, rehabilitation professionals, and counselors who serve people with disabilities.

What is the easiest disability to get approved for? ›

What Is the Most Approved Disability? Arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities make up the most commonly approved conditions for social security disability benefits. This is because arthritis is so common. In the United States, over 58 million people suffer from arthritis.

What not to say on a disability function report? ›

5 Biggest Mistakes on Adult Function Reports
  • Not reading the entire question. ...
  • Not being clear about how long it takes you to do things. ...
  • Not being clear about what you do all day. ...
  • Not listing the side effects of your medications. ...
  • Not answering questions consistently.

How do I answer a Social Security disability questionnaire? ›

How to Fill Out an Adult Function Report for Disability (7 Tips)
  1. Answer Every Question and Be Honest! ...
  2. Answer Only the Questions Being Asked. ...
  3. Give as Much Detail as You Can. ...
  4. Be Consistent (Some Questions Overlap) ...
  5. Be Specific on Question 5 of the Function Report. ...
  6. Don't Limit Your Answers to the Space on the Form.
Jan 26, 2023

At what age is Social Security no longer taxed? ›

Social Security can potentially be subject to tax regardless of your age. While you may have heard at some point that Social Security is no longer taxable after 70 or some other age, this isn't the case. In reality, Social Security is taxed at any age if your income exceeds a certain level.

What are the most frequently asked questions about Social Security? ›

Most Asked Questions

How do I schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment? What happens if I work and get Social Security retirement benefits? What is the maximum Social Security retirement benefit payable? Must I pay taxes on Social Security benefits?

How do I pass a disability interview? ›

Being consistent in your responses is essential to build credibility. Prepare for Questions – Expect questions about your medical history, work history, and daily routine. Be ready to discuss your diagnosis, symptoms, treatments, and any adjustments you've had to make due to your disability.

How do you describe pain to a disability judge? ›

Don't just say, "It hurts." Describe what your symptoms feel like, the same way you have probably described your symptoms to members of your family. Describe the nature, intensity, and location of pain, whether it travels to different parts of your body, how often you have pain, and how long it lasts.

What are the signs you won your SSDI hearing? ›

The judge will ask about past work experience, medical impairments, and ongoing symptoms during the questioning. Suppose the judge asks a few questions or cuts off your attorney during questioning by saying they have enough information. In that case, this is usually a sign that your disability hearing went well.

What is the purpose of the Red Book? ›

The Red Book is issued by RICS as part of our commitment to promote and support high standards in valuation delivery worldwide. The publication details mandatory practices for RICS members undertaking valuation services. It also offers a useful reference resource for valuation users and other stakeholders.

What is the 12 month rule for SSDI? ›

The 12-month duration-of-disability requirement also applies in establishing disability for SSI applicants. A medically determinable physical or mental impairment or combination of impairments must keep an adult from engaging in substantial gainful activity for at least 12 months in a row.

How do you answer a disability determination question? ›

When answering these questions, remember:
  1. Be careful not to contradict other answers you gave in this form or in your application.
  2. Describe your abilities on your worst or average days.
  3. Explain if you've modified activities to make them more achievable. ...
  4. Only mention limitations caused by your disability.
Oct 12, 2022

How to answer interview questions for disability? ›

Answer honestly: Never embellish the facts or mislead the interviewer about your medical condition or how it's affecting you. If you truly do have a disability that's preventing you from working, this will become evident when answering truthfully. At the same time, don't downplay your condition.

What can you not say in a social security disability interview? ›

What not to say in a disability interview
  • Never lie about your pain or other symptoms. It is important to describe how your condition affects your daily life. ...
  • Don't talk about only your best days. ...
  • Avoid talking about unrelated illnesses.
Sep 5, 2023

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Maia Crooks Jr

Last Updated:

Views: 6138

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (63 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Maia Crooks Jr

Birthday: 1997-09-21

Address: 93119 Joseph Street, Peggyfurt, NC 11582

Phone: +2983088926881

Job: Principal Design Liaison

Hobby: Web surfing, Skiing, role-playing games, Sketching, Polo, Sewing, Genealogy

Introduction: My name is Maia Crooks Jr, I am a homely, joyous, shiny, successful, hilarious, thoughtful, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.