What Are Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits?
About 29.5 million Americans have a disability that may harm their economic prospects. While individuals with disabilities can still have jobs, they are disadvantaged during the hiring process.
The inability to find a job can lead to economic challenges and strain on the individual's family. Fortunately, many people with disabilities can benefit from the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program.
Read on to gather more information about SSDI.
What Is SSDI?
More than 8.8 million people receive help from the SSDI program. This is a federal program under the administration of the US Social Security Administration (SSA). The program's purpose is to provide financial aid to individuals with disabilities as well as some of their family members.
Generally, SSDI beneficiaries are people who have a long working history and a disability that hinders their ability to work. Your disability should also be permanent or prevent you from completing your job duties for at least one year.
Who Is Eligible for SSDI Benefits?
SSDI benefits eligibility depends on several factors. Here are some of those factors.
- You can't do any work due to a medical problem that will last for at least a year or persist until your death
- You don't have a short-term or partial disability
- Your disability must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability
- You haven't attained your full retirement age
The Social Security Administration has an online tool you can use to check your SSDI eligibility.
How Much Work Do You Need?
Apart from satisfying the other eligibility requirements, you must have been a worker for a long time and up to recently. That is because your annual income will determine the work credits for Social Security benefits.
Currently, you can only get a maximum of four credits per year. Also, the annual income required for a single work credit changes every year.
In 2022, you will receive one work credit for every income of $1,510. Therefore, an annual income of at least $6,040 will be enough to give you four credits every year.
Your cumulative working credits should be at least 40 for you to qualify for the SSDI program. Moreover, you should have accumulated 20 of those credits in the decade immediately before you became disabled.
What Is the Application Process Like?
You can either apply online, through the phone, or in person. Regardless, the application process will follow the following steps.
- Collect all the documents necessary for your application
- Fill out the application forms and submit your application
- Wait for the SSA to assess your application to determine your eligibility
- Receive the decision from the Disability Determination Services in your state
As long as you have worked for many years and have a qualifying disability, you should receive a positive response from the SSA. In some cases, the SSA might ask you to submit additional documents before processing your application.
What Are the Benefits?
If your application is accepted, you will start to receive monthly benefits. Some of your family members may also get the same benefits.
Your first benefit will arrive six months from when you became disabled. The SSA will deposit the money into your bank account or a Direct Express card.
Your current resources and income will also determine the amount you receive. In addition, the SSA may use your lifetime average earnings to determine the amount to deposit into your account.
The entire process of applying for SSDI benefits can be complicated and delicate.
Fortunately, you can always rely on Gordon & Pont to complete the process on your behalf. We are qualified lawyers who help people with disabilities to get help. Contact us for more information.
