What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Summary: SSDI is a federal income assistance program managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSDI is available for people who have become seriously disabled and can no longer hold a job to earn income.
More About SSDI
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides an income safety net for people between the ages of 18 and 65 who have been unable to work for 12 months or longer because of a long-term, severe medical condition. This is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Qualifying Requirements
SSA reviews your medical condition and work history to determine eligibility. To qualify:
- You must have worked long enough to have paid into the Social Security system through FICA taxes
- You worked a total of five years within the last 10 years
- You have been unable to engage in “substantial gainful activity” for 12 months or longer
- You have a long-term medical condition that meets SSA’s definition of “disability.”
Cash Benefits
Benefits are calculated from how much you earned throughout your working years. It is the same formula used to calculate Social Security retirement benefits.You must wait five full calendar months in a row after your approval date before you receive your first monthly check.
SSA also compensates you for the time it took to approve your application. This one-time lump sum payment represents the months you were entitled to benefits from the date SSA determined you became disabled.
Health Insurance Benefits
SSDI recipients are eligible for Medicare 24 months after their approval date for SSDI benefits.
Contact Freedom Disability for a Free Evaluation
If you think you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, contact us online for a free evaluation.
Or call (866) 761-5942.
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I am already receiving SSI. I have been getting this for 20 years or longer. My Question is I am 57 and can really no longer work due that my breathing is not too good and I am using a respirator my condition was not this bad when I first started receiving my income. Is there any way that I could receive more benefits now after all these years. I only receive $296.00 a month but I also receive social security which is total $398.00. Add that together and that is $694. each month. I can hardly pay my rent electric and of course I only get $56 in food help. Please contact me and let me now what or if anything can be done to get a better income. Thank you. Karen Willis
Since you are already receiving SSI and SSDI from Social Security, your best source for more help would be your local Social Security office. You could ask them to review your current situation. They would have a better understanding as to whether they can provide you with more assistance under SSI.
I’ve been getting ssi for at least 9 years and they just cut me off and I was wondering how long can I receive my insurance until they cut if off totally??? And I’m trying to get back on now and I have very bad medical problems that I need done now but I can’t because they took my insurance
If you were cut off from SSI benefits it must have been because your personal assets and income exceeded the allowable amount. SSI is a needs-based program for people with qualifying disabilities or for people age 65 and older. You should check in with your local Social Security office to find out why they discontinued your payment. You can receive SSI support if your income and assets dips below the allowable amount. There is more information about SSI in our “Eligibility” section that may help explain things further for you.
I am quite certain with my back problems and subsequent surgeries , I will be deemed elegible for benefits.
My name is Shona, I’m 35 and have a lot of problems with my lower back and legs. I don’t have insurance or money to go to the doctor. Is there any thing I can do to get help.
MY NAME IS IRENE I WOULD LIKE TO TALK TO SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP ME TO GET SSI FOR MY DAUGHTER .
I’ve received SSI for the last 4 yrs can i get a part time job for atleast 10 HRS A WEEK,COULD THIS AFFECT MY DISSABILITY ,I dont want to have any problems.
Wanda,
It’s great that you’re working. Since your SSI payment is based on need, the more you earn the lower your SSI payment will be. and if you earn more than the allowable amount for SSI ($1,433 ) in any month, you wouldn’t get your SSI payment. Also, by working you are earning work credits which could help you become eligible for SSDI. Good luck. It’s good to work. Find out more about SSI and SSDI in the Disability Benefits section of this site.
Hello,
I applied for ss & ssi however they told me that i am eligible for ssi only my condition is MDD i take medication pristique that wasn’t working so i am taking trazodone for insomnia also when i can’t sleep i start to pull the skin on my fingers which left both my hand disfigured and unable to work. My ssi is pending however i got a letter from dhs Hawaii regarding if i’m qualified i ssi will reimburse welfare some cash from retroactive back payments. Why is dhs sending me such letter when my ssi is still pending. I don’t know anything about the welfare system not to mention the complicating of continuing with general assistance until ssi approves my claim. Also i would like to know in my state of Hawaii should my condition (MDD) improves will ssi stop? Thanks so much hope to hear from u all soon!
Regards,
Lila An
My 15 month old son is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, static encephalopathy, and infantile spasms (terrible form of epilepsy). We would like to see if we can get him SSI. As a result of the new Obamacare law, my company has eliminated the HMO I have had for 12 years and after Jan 1st, I will be forced into a PPO increasing my healthcare costs significantly. We need help. We pay into the system and are only looking for the support that is now needed to cover our increasing costs.
hello i have a ?.. if i get ssi before my ssdi starts do i have to pay back the money from ssi with my ssdi back pay? i’m trying to figure this out and theres so much about ssi/ssdi but i cant find this ? … can someone please give me an answer?!!! thank you!
Hi Kenny,
Thanks for your post. SSDI benefits are considered income and a reduction to your SSI benefit. Social Security will reduce your retroactive SSDI benefits for any month(s) during which you are eligible for both SSDI and SSI benefits. Hope this helps.
Hello i receive SSD benifits i lost my eye sight in one eye i been on SSD for seven mouth i would like to work.to help with some of my bills my SSD check is $1,322 a mth can i work 10hrs a week. will it enter fear with my mountly payments
I have glaucoma, with severe optic nerve damage, I would like to know if this eye disease allows me to be eligible for SSDI the last time that I worked was in 2006 but it was temporary and didn’t last more than six months could you please help me, Thank You.
Derrick,
Freedom Disability may be able to assist you. I would recommend speaking to one of our Eligibility Consultants. They will ask you a few questions regarding your current health conditions and past work history to determine your eligibility for our assistance. If you have worked 5 years out of the last 10 years, you may qualify. I hope you’ll give us a call at 866-761-5942. Good luck.
I need information about Freedom Disability social sercity. SSDI
Perin,
Please send me your contact information to sbalsamo@freedomdisability.com and I will email you a Freedom Disability brochure.