Did you know that, as per a 2022 American Community Survey, 22 million working-age (18 to 64 years old) people in the United States live with a disability?
Life doesn’t always go the way we plan. Does it?
One day, you are working, building your future, and the next, it changes. It feels like the world has stopped. A disability comes without any warning, leaving you searching for answers and for a way forward.
The challenges can feel overwhelming for you:
- Medical bills piling up
- The ability to earn a living is suddenly gone
- And the uncertainty of the future weighs heavily
All these setbacks could make you feel helpless. But there is hope. That is where SSDI ( Social Security Disability Insurance) comes in. It’s a program meant to support people who have worked hard for years with determination and need a hand when life gets tough.
Here, we will learn everything you need to know about SSDI and how it can support you during challenging times.
What Is Social Security Disability Insurance?
SSDI is a federal program in the United States. This program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It provides financial assistance to individuals unable to work due to a qualifying disability.
Who Qualifies for SSDI?
To qualify for SSDI, the individual must:
- Have a medically determined impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- Have sufficient work credits based on age and work history.
- Have paid Social Security taxes on those earnings.
Key Features of SSDI
Financial Aid
It offers monthly payments to the beneficiary based on their work history and earnings.
Eligible Family Members and Criteria:
Certain members of your family may be eligible for benefits based on your history of work:
| Eligible Family Members | Criteria |
| Your Spouse | If he or she is age 62 or older. |
| Your spouse (any age) | Must be caring for your child who is under 16 or disabled. |
| Your unmarried child | Must be under 18 or under 19 if he or she is in high school. |
| Your unmarried child ( age 18 or older) | Must have a disability that began before age 22 and meets the definition of disability for adults. |
| Adopted child, stepchild, or grandchild | May qualify if unmarried and under the same conditions as above. |
Medicare Coverage
SSDI beneficiaries are eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period.
Exception: Medicare begins immediately for individuals with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis).
Trial Work Period
It allows recipients to explore employment without immediate loss of benefits. It acts as a safety net for individuals facing long-term disabilities.
| NOTE: The social security lawyers at Orlando widely accept and help out needy people in this type of matter. |
What Is the Difference Between SSI and SSDI?
The only difference between SSI and SSDI is that SSI is based on age/disability and limited income and resources, whereas SSDI is based on disability and work credits.
What Are the Rules for Getting SSDI?
Here are the fundamental rules and requirements for getting SSDI:
1. Qualifying Disability
The applicant must have a qualifying disability that prevents them from getting into substantial gainful activity (SGA). The disability must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
2. Work Credits
Applicants must have earned required work credits through their employment and payment of Social Security taxes to qualify for SSDI. Work credits are earned based on the individual’s work history and vary depending on age. The number of work credits depends on your age when your disability begins.
| Note: According to the Social Security Administration, the credits you need for disability benefits depend on your age and years of work. |
| Age at Disability Onset | Number of Work Credits Needed | Years of Work Needed |
| Before 24 | 6 | 1.5 years of work in the 3 years before your disability began |
| 24 to 30 | Credits are half the time between age 21 and disability onset | Example: At age 27, 12 credits ( 3 years of work) |
| 31 to 42 | 20 | 5 years of work in the last 10 years. |
| 43 to 61 | Increases by 2 credits every 2 years | Example: At age 50, 28 credits (7 years of work) |
| 62 or older | 40 | 10 years of work |
Summary:
- Maximum Credits: You can earn up to 4 credits per year ( one credit = $1,810 of your earnings).
- 2. Younger Workers: Need fewer credits because they have had less time to work.
- Older Workers: Need more credits due to longer working potential before disability.
3. Recent Work History
The applicant must have a recent work history. The amount of work needed depends on the age when the disability started. Younger individuals generally need fewer work credits.
4. SSA’s Listing of Impairments
The applicant’s medical condition must meet the criteria in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments (the “Blue Book”). The Blue Book shares the specific medical conditions that automatically qualify for disability benefits.
5. Inability to Perform Previous Work
The applicant must show that they cannot perform their previous work due to the disability. The SSA considers factors such as the individual’s age, education, and work experience in evaluating their ability to engage in other types of work.
6. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
The applicant must refrain from engaging in substantial gainful activity. Social Security Administration (SSA) defines SGA as a level of work activity and monthly earnings that shows an individual’s ability to perform substantial work. In order to qualify for SSDI, you must show that your disability prevents you from performing substantial work and earning above the SGA limit.
SGA Amounts for 2025
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Applicants earning above the SGA limit may be considered ineligible for SSDI benefits.
7. Application Process
Individuals can apply for SSDI benefits online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. The application should include detailed information about the applicant’s medical condition, work history, and other relevant details.
8. Medical Evidence
Applicants must provide comprehensive medical evidence supporting their disability claim. This may include medical records, test results, doctor’s statements, and other relevant documentation.
9. Waiting Period
There is a mandatory five-month waiting period for SSDI benefits. During this waiting period, individuals must be continuously disabled before becoming eligible for benefits.
Can Beneficiaries Of The SSDI Work?
Whether it is permissible to have a job while receiving Social Security disability income is very confusing and complex. People often need to hire Social Security attorneys to understand the matter.
The people who give out SSDI know it’s essential for people with disabilities to be able to support themselves and not rely on others for money. That’s why they have created programs to encourage people to try to go back to work if they meet specific requirements.
What Are The Rules To Work Even After Getting SSDI?
1. Trial Work Period
SSDI recipients may have a trial work period during which they can attempt to return to work without losing their benefits. The trial work period allows individuals to test their ability to work while still receiving full SSDI benefits.
2. Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
EPE allows recipients to test their ability to work for 36 additional months after completing their Trial Work Period (TWP) without immediately losing their benefits.
3. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
In 2025, the SGA level is $1620 monthly for non-blind and $2700 monthly for blind individuals. Earnings exceeding this amount may trigger a “countable month” toward the EPE.
4. Expedited Reinstatement (EXR)
If disability recurs within five years of benefits ending due to work, beneficiaries can request expedited reinstatement without reapplying.
5. Work Incentives and Supports
Various work incentives, such as the Ticket to Work program, vocational rehabilitation, and impairment-related work expenses, aim to support individuals in their return to work without immediate loss of benefits.
Your Right to Appeal an SSDI Denial
If you have faced an SSDI denial, don’t lose hope. You can understand the appeal process to get the benefits you deserve. Here is everything you need to know about the right to appeal.
Conclusion
Life’s unexpected turn can leave you feeling certain, but Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is here to provide support and stability during those challenging times.
This program is more than financial support— it is a safety net for those who have worked hard with determination and now need a helping hand due to unforeseen circumstances.
SSDI is essential in helping individuals and their families, from offering monthly payments to ensuring access to Medicare.
If you have been denied SSDI benefits, don’t give up. You have the right to appeal, and with the help of Orlando’s social security attorney, you can be guided through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What insurance do you get for a social security disability?
SSDI beneficiaries are eligible for Medicare after a 24-hour qualifying period. or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may be eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
2. How do you apply for SSDI?
You can apply for SSDI online, by phone, in person, or through a Social Security attorney.
3. How long do you have to appeal the SSDI denial?
To appeal for SSDI denial, you have 60 days from the date you receive the denial notice.
4. Is SSD paid by federal or state?
In the United States, disability benefits are covered and paid for by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
5. Do you automatically qualify for Medicaid with a disability?
In most states, if you receive SSI, you are eligible for Medicaid automatically.