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How many “facts” about disability benefits have you heard that are actually myths?

A lot of advice about SSDI and SSI gets passed around as fact, and some of it can cause people to misunderstand the process or assume disability isn't an option for them.

Marvin breaks down some of the most common myths and explains what you should actually know.

There is a common misconception that substance use can make it easier to get approved for disability benefits. But how accurate is that belief?⁠
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Despite what many may think, it can often actually make it more difficult to receive disability when an individual is experience substance use issues. ⁠
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Although the history behind Social Security Disability can make it understandable why some may have this assumption, it's important to understand how disability decisions are made in 2026. ⁠
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Do you know the difference between SSDI and SSI? ⁠
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Although these two disability benefit programs are often confused with one another, there are some important distinctions. Understanding the requirements for each program can help you understand what may be right for your situation. ⁠
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What happens to your disability payments if you move to another state? It depends. ⁠
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The two disability programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), have different requirements and therefore, have different processes of determining payment amounts. ⁠
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Depending on which program you are a recipient of, your payment might be affected by your move—or could remain unaffected by your location. ⁠
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What if your health condition keeps you from doing the hardest parts of your old job—but you can still do some of the easier tasks?

When Social Security evaluates a disability claim, they may look closely at what your past work actually involved and which duties you can no longer perform.

The answer can be more complicated than most people think.

"Can't they just get a less physical job?" It's a question people ask about disability benefits—but there's more to it than simply whether someone can sit or stand. Here's what Social Security actually considers.

There are many reasons someone may be denied disability benefits, but there is one many might not suspect—not getting treatment for their condition.

If Social Security believes you're not putting in reasonable efforts to improve your condition, they might deny your claim based on the Failure to Follow Prescribed Treatment ruling.

Can you receive disability payments for the period you were out of work—even if you've recovered? The answer might surprise you. ⁠
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In some situations, you can still receive benefits for an eligible period when you were unable to work, even if you’ve since recovered and returned to work. Learn why returning to work doesn’t automatically mean you’ve lost the opportunity for backpay.⁠
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Is every disability process subject to the same queue? Not exactly. ⁠
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There are certain circumstances where a disability claim may qualify for special handling, including a dire need situation, Compassionate Allowance, or presumptive disability determination.⁠
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Each one has different requirements, but knowing whether one applies to your situation could make a difference in how your claim is handled.⁠
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