(DailyChive.com) – Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an enormously beneficial social program that provides financial assistance to persons who are disabled. How does Social Security Disability Insurance work? This article will answer that question and explain the process of applying.
What is Social Security Disability Insurance?
Social Security Disability Insurance allocates benefits to a qualifying person and their family members if they have paid taxes from earned income recently. It is closely related to Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provides payments to persons regardless of whether or not they have paid taxes. Both of these programs have certain medical qualifications an applicant must meet to receive benefits. SSDI and SSI will provide approved persons with monthly benefits.
Who May Qualify?
Qualifying for SSDI benefits is dependent on having paid Social Security from wages from a job and having a medical condition that satisfies Social Security’s definition of a disability. SSDI benefits can be administered to anyone who has a qualifying disability and work history, and certain family members of the disabled person. You can check with an online screening tool to see what benefits you may qualify for.
The Social Security office will analyze the answer to these 5 questions to determine eligibility:
- Is the applicant currently working?
- Is the applicant’s condition “severe”?
- Is the applicant’s condition found in the list of disabling conditions?
- Can the applicant do the work they did previously?
- Can the applicant do any other type of work?
The medical conditions that may qualify someone for SSDI are varied and nuanced, but the program is very strict about its definition of a total disability. Not only can a person who hopes to receive SSDI benefits be unable to do the work they previously did, but must also be unable to adjust to a new job and expect that their disability will last at least 1 year.
In order to qualify for SSDI, your work history has to satisfy the Social Security Office’s earnings tests. These two tests determine how your age and duration of working time relate to when you developed your disability.
How Do You Apply?
- Gather the documents you need to prove your identity, social security number, medical condition, military history, family details, and banking information. You will also need to verify your job history and education.
- According to the Social Security Administration, you must create (or attempt to create) an online Social Security account. Follow the question prompts as they guide you through the online application, or request assistance through your local social security office in person or by phone.
- Complete your application and submit it.
- Wait for communication requesting further documentation or for confirmation of your disability status. You can also track the status of your application on your online account.
What to Do If Denied Benefits
If you are denied SSDI benefits, you have the right to appeal the decision. You must ask for an appeal in writing within 60 days of receiving your answer from the Social Security Administration. The first step is to ask for a reconsideration, and if you are still denied your request can move on to the next level of appeal, which include:
- A hearing by an administrative law judge,
- A review by the Appeals Council, or
- A Federal Court Review.
The majority of applications that were submitted by persons meeting the technical requirements to qualify for SSDI benefits were not approved at their initial application. Initial disapproval is not a guarantee that you will not qualify or be able to receive benefits.
Being approved for SSDI benefits is a huge asset for someone with a disability. The application is designed to be straightforward, and there are many resources available to help someone complete the application and file for an appeal when needed. You can get started with an application here.
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