Who is entitled to Social Security disability benefits? An
individual who is determined by the Social Security
Administration to be "disabled" receives an Award Letter, which
is a notice of decision that explains how much the disability
benefit will be and when payments start. It also tells you when
you can expect your condition to be reviewed to see if there has
been any improvement. If family members are eligible, they will
receive a separate notice and a booklet about things they need
to know. Under the Social Security disability insurance program
(title II of the Act), there are three basic categories of
individuals who can qualify for benefits on the basis of
disability: Under title XVI, or SSI, there are two basic
categories under which a financially needy person can get
payments based on disability: - A disabled insured worker under
full retirement age. - An individual disabled since childhood
(before age 22) who is a dependent of a parent entitled to title
II disability or retirement benefits or was a