Social Security Glossary of Terms

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When researching social security benefits, you may come across terms that are confusing or unfamiliar. To help you better understand the social security benefit process we have compiled a list of social security related terms and their definitions. Please use this glossary to learn more about the various terms that you may encounter when you are learning about social security retirement or disability benefits.

• Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
• Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
• Alleged Onset Date (AOD)
• Appeals Council
• Compassionate Allowances
• Continuing Disability Review
• Field Office
• Hearing Office
• Listing of Impairments
• National Hearing Center
• Office of Disability Adjudication and Review (ODAR)
• Request for Reconsideration
• Residual Functional Capacity