The Social Security Disability program is administered through Social Security Administration as one of the two largest of several Federal programs that provides assistance to people with disabilities. The other is Supplemental Security Income program. Individuals who have a disability that meets the government’s medical criteria may qualify for benefits under one or both of these programs.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is funded with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and self-employed individuals. To qualify for this Social Security benefit, you must have previously had a job where you paid into the Social Security system for long enough to make you eligible for this return. The amount of a monthly disability benefit is based on your Social Security earnings record if you were an insured worker and qualify as disabled. Disability benefits are also paid to blind or disabled workers, widow(er)s, or adults disabled since childhood, who are otherwise eligible.
To receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) you will need to apply.
If you have already applied and were denied, then don’t get discouraged.
If you qualify, here are some things to understand:
- Your payments will not begin until after five full months of the disability onset date. Read More »If you qualify, your payments cannot begin until you have been disabled for at least five full months and usually start with your sixth month of disability. When Social Security tells you that you will be receiving disability benefit payments, you will receive a notice that explains how much your disability benefit will be and when your payments start. If we have helped you obtain your benefits, Social Security will also send the information to our office so that we can help you understand your benefits. To apply for our help, fill out the Free Disability Evaluation form or call us at 1-800-249-7507.
- Your family members may be eligible for benefits based on your work. Read More »
- Social Security benefits are paid each month. Read More »Generally, the day on which you receive your benefit depends on the birth date of the person on whose work record you receive benefits. For example, if you receive benefits as a retired or disabled worker, your benefit will be determined by your birth date. If you receive benefits as a spouse, your benefit payment date will be determined by your spouse’s birth date.
- The future of your disability benefits will depend on your medical condition.
Read More »Your case will be reviewed by Social Security at regular intervals to make sure you are still in need of disability payments and may not continue indefinitely. Because of advances in medical science and rehabilitation techniques, many people with disabilities recover from serious accidents and illnesses making it possible for them to work after they have time to heal.
- You will be eligible for cost-of-living adjustments each January. Read More »If there is a national cost-of-living increase, you will automatically be given the increase in your benefits. For example, if the cost of living across the nation has increased by two percent, your benefits also will increase by two percent.
- When you reach the full retirement age, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits but the amount remains the same. Read More » If you also receive a reduced widow(er)’s benefit, be sure to contact Social Security when you reach full retirement age so that we can make any necessary adjustment in your benefits.
