Social Security Disability Eligibility
To be covered by S.S.D.I. you must have worked at jobs which are covered by Social Security. In addition you must have a medical condition that qualifies for benefits. This page explains how the government determines who has worked enough to qualify for benefits.
http://www.ssa.gov/dibplan/dqualify2.htm

Applying for benefits
Can be done online at a secure government site. At this site you can apply for disability benefits, benefits for your spouse, restart an incomplete application, and check your claim status.
http://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability/adult.htm

Applying can also be done by calling 1-800-772-1213 or contacting your local Social Security office.

How the government determines who is disabled.
The law defines disability as the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. Disability Determination Services will try to collect evidence from you first, using your medical sources first. If more evidence is needed the determination service will arrange for a medical examination by your doctor or a provider selected by the government.
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/determination.htm

Disability starter kits are available from the government.
These kits contain the fact sheet "What You Should Know before You Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits". It also contains a checklist of information and documents to have ready for your disability interview. There is also a worksheet for the adult applicant. It lists information that will be asked for you to provide.
http://www.ssa.gov/starter kit

Impairments that qualify for disability. This list is applicable to individual 18 years and over, and to children where criteria is appropriate. By clicking on the link you will be taken to a government web page for that particular impairment.

• Musculoskeletal

• Respiratory System

• Digestive

• Neurological

• Special Senses and Speech

• Hematological Disorders

• Endocrine

• Neoplastic Diseases-Malignant

• Cardiovascular

• Genitourinary System

• Skin Disorders

• Multiple Body

• Mental Disorders

• Immune

Government Blue Book "Disability Evaluation under Social Security."
This publication explains the whole process from a doctors point of view. The publication is in the Adobe Reader format.
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/bluebook/

Adobe Reader download link if you don't have it installed: http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Family members may be able to receive benefits if you are found to be disabled.
Qualifying spouse, child, disabled child may be able to receive up to 50% of your benefit. This is in addition to your benefit.

If you were found to be disabled
SSDI benefits will start the sixth full month after they found you were disabled. To calculate your benefits:
http://www.ssa.gov/planners/calculators.htm

Childhood impairments
It is very important to check the particular impairments that your child may have. Childhood listings will give consideration to the disease process in childhood.
http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/ChildhoodListings.htm.

The Office on Women's Health
Established in 1991 within the US Department of Health and Human Services. OWH coordinates the efforts of all the HHS agencies and office involved in women's health. OWH works to improve the health and well-being of women and girls in the United States.
* http://www.4women.gov