An individual who applies for social security disability benefits is said to "file disability." This means that he or she and his or her family can receive a check weekly, bi-weekly or monthly (depending upon the individual's circumstances and situation) to help cover the cost of food, shelter and clothing. These checks are sent because each American citizen pays taxes into a system, which provides for those citizens who become injured or ill and are left unable to return to work and to care for themselves and their families. To file disability, an individual needs to complete an application and understand that they may have to appeal a decision.