Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federally funded program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a significant disability.
Discover the nuances of SSDI, shedding light on its qualification criteria, benefits, and how it compares to other federal disability programs.
What is SSDI?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a part of the Social Security program, which also provides retirement benefits to the majority of older Americans. SSDI benefits are based on the disabled worker’s past earnings and are paid to the disabled worker and their dependent family members.
To be eligible for SSDI, a disabled worker must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security.
Qualifying for SSDI
To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must meet specific criteria. You should have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s strict definition of disability.
Generally, SSDI benefits are paid to people who are unable to work for a year or more due to a disability. See if you’re eligible with this these conditions that make you automatically qualified for disability.
Work Requirement
You must have worked long enough and recently enough under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits. Social Security work credits are based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income.
The number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when your disability begins.
Definition of Disability
The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability. You are considered to have a qualifying disability under Social Security rules if you cannot work at the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level.
This is because of your medical condition, and your condition has lasted or is expected to last for at least 1 year or to result in death.
SSDI Benefit Amount
The SSDI benefit is calculated based on a worker’s earnings before they became disabled. The average benefit paid to disabled workers in recent years was around $1,200 a month, which equates to about $14,400 a year.
Health Care Coverage for Disability Beneficiaries
Individuals receiving SSDI become eligible for Medicare after receiving disability payments for 24 months. However, individuals with conditions like ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) are eligible for Medicare immediately.
SSI vs SSDI
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are two of the most common programs from the Social Security Administration (SSA). While they have their similarities, there are critical differences between the two.
Similarities Between SSI and SSDI
Both SSI and SSDI use the same criteria for determining disability based on medical evidence and functional abilities. Also, the application process is similar for both programs, and each program has an associated health insurance program.
Differences Between SSI and SSDI
The primary difference between SSI and SSDI lies in their non-medical criteria. SSI determination is based on age/disability and limited income and resources, whereas SSDI determination is based on disability and work credits.
In addition, SSI recipients, in most states, automatically qualify for health care coverage through Medicaid. On the other hand, a person with SSDI will automatically qualify for Medicare after 24 months of receiving disability payments.
FAQs About SSDI
Can You Receive SSI and SSDI Together?
Yes, if you have limited income/resources and a work history, you can qualify for both SSI and SSDI benefits. Be sure of this to avoid suspended benefits.
How Do You Apply for SSDI?
You can apply for SSDI benefits online or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or at your local office.
How Long Does It Take to Process SSDI Applications?
The processing time for SSDI applications can vary widely, but the average is 3-5 months from the date of application.
What Happens If Your SSDI Application Is Rejected?
If your SSDI application is denied, and you believe you qualify for these benefits, you can find an advocate familiar with Social Security disability policy to represent you.
In conclusion, understanding what is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and how it operates can be crucial for individuals living with disabilities.
This knowledge can help such individuals make informed decisions about their eligibility and the application process, ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve.