Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a social security program that pays you and certain family members monthly benefits if you’ve become disabled before you reach retirement age and cannot work. SSDI is also known as “workers” disability.

 

Who Can Qualify for SSDI?

To qualify for social security disability, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. It would be best if you also had a medical condition that meets the definition of disability by Social Security. Below are some examples that you are considered disabled:

 

  • You cannot work the same way you did before
  • You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition.
  • Your disability lasted for a year or if it is to result in death.

 

In addition to that, you must have worked long enough to qualify for disability benefits. Work credits will be based on your total yearly wage, and you can earn up to 4 credits each year.

 

The amount needed for work credit changes every year. In 2020, you can earn one work credit for each $1,410 in wages. When you’ve earned $5,640, you’ll earn four work credits for the year.

 

The number of credits you need to qualify depends on the age when you become disabled. In general, you need to earn at least 40 credits in the last ten years ending in the year when you are disabled. Younger workers may qualify even if they have few credits.

 

The benefits continue until you can work regularly. There are also several special rules called work incentives which provide continued benefits and health care coverage to help you get back to work.

 

Special Situations

There are particular situations where you can immediately qualify for SSDI. Some of these are:

 

  • Blind or low vision
  • A worker’s widow or widower
  • Wounded warriors and veterans
  • Children under age 18 that are disabled

 

When Can You Apply?

You should apply as soon as you become disabled. Social Security Disability benefits will not start until the first full month of disability. The social security disability waiting period begins on the first full month after the date the system decides when your disability began.

 

How to Apply for Disability

Application is a straightforward process, and it is the same whether you apply online, by phone, or in person.

 

  1. Gather the necessary documents and information needed to apply
  2. Complete and submit your application.
  3. Your application is reviewed and ensured that it meets the requirements for disability benefits.
  4. Your work credits are checked and determine if you have worked enough years to qualify.
  5. Your current work activities are evaluated.
  6. When you qualify, your application is forwarded to the Disability Determination Office in your state.
  7. The state agency makes a final decision, and then your application is sent back to Social Security.

 

If your application is declined, you can appeal to their decision. You need to request an appeal in writing within 60 days after you’ve received their decision.

 

There are four levels of appeal:

 

  • Reconsideration
  • Review by the Social Security Appeals Council
  • Hearing before an administrative law judge
  • Review by the federal courts.