Disability Terms and Definitions

Elimination Period This is the period of time between the date the disability commences and the beginning of the benefit payment period. It is the period during which an employee must be disabled before payment of benefits begins. It is sometimes referred to as the Qualifying Period. DHO Disability Hearing Officer. Conducts in person hearings. Next appeal is to a federal Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Work Incentives/Employment Support SSA policies that help disability beneficiaries go to work and receive benefits in an attempt to become more independent. Reasonable Accommodation Any change in the job application process, work environment or work process, or modification to the benefits or privileges of employment, that results in equal employment opportunity for an individual with a disability. Blind Work Expenses (SSI) If you are blind, when we determine your SSI eligibility and payment amount we do not count any earned income that you use to meet expenses in earning the income. Mental disorder In DSM-III, a mental disorder is conceptualized as a clinically significant behavioral or psychologic syndrome or pattern that occurs in an individual and that typically is associated with either a painful symptom (distress) or impairment in one or more important areas of functioning (disability). Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) The level of work activity used to establish disability. A finding of disability requires that a person be unable to engage in SGA. Continuing Disability Review (CDR) An evaluation of an individual's impairment(s) to determine whether the person is still disabled within the meaning of the law for purposes of eligibility for SSI and OASDI benefits. Optional Supplementation The payments made by States to help persons meet needs not fully covered by Federal SSI benefits. The State determines whether it will make a payment, to whom, and in what amount. DWB Disabled Widows (Widowers) Benefits. Title II benefit category for widows or widowers based on a deceased spouse's social security payments.

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	Did You Know?
	Certificate of Need (CON) is issued to health care providers Is a certificate issued by a government body to a health care provider who is proposing to construct, modify, or expand facilities, or to offer new or different types of health services. CON is intended to prevent duplication of services and overbedding. The certificate signifies that the change has been approved.