Disability Terms and Definitions

DHU Disability Hearings Unit. A unit in each DDD regional office that conducts in person hearings with disabled beneficiaries who appeal a DDD decision that the individual is no longer disabled. Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) The provision that permits the exclusion from earnings of the costs of items and services which are needed in order for a disabled individual to work, which are paid for by the individual, and which are necessarily incurred by that individual because of a physical or mental impairment. Cost-of-living adjustments Each January, your benefits will increase automatically if the cost of living has gone up. For example, if the cost of living has increased by 2 percent, your benefits also will increase by 2 percent. Indexing Indexing is designed to provide some protection against inflation. After the first year of disability, a disabled employee's pre-disability earnings are usually increased (or indexed) by a certain percentage on an annual basis. Mandatory Supplementation The supplementary payments that are made only to beneficiaries who were converted to the SSI program from former State assistance programs at the inception of the SSI program. Benefit Year The 52 consecutive weeks for which you are eligible to receive unemployment benefits. The benefit year begins on the day that you file for unemployment benefits. Section 1619(a) Status The special SSI cash benefits provided to disabled individuals who lose eligibility for SSI benefits under the regular rules because they have earnings at the level that is ordinarily considered to represent substantial gainful activity. 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). Medicare (SSDI) Two-part health insurance program for eligible disabled individuals and people age 65 or older Work Incentives/Employment Support SSA policies that help disability beneficiaries go to work and receive benefits in an attempt to become more independent.

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	Did You Know?
	Caregiver is needed in many disability problems Person who provides support and assistance with various activities to a family member, friend, or neighbor. May provide emotional or financial support, as well as hands-on help with different tasks. Caregiving may also be done from long distance.