Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits

Last updated May 29, 2024

Social Security benefits are not only for retirement. You also pay into Social Security Disability Insurance out of your paycheck. If you ever become disabled and are no longer able to work, you can receive monthly benefit payments to provide for you and your family.

To get benefits, you have to submit an SSDI application and get approved. Unfortunately, the application process can be confusing and leaves many disabled workers without their monthly payments. Talk to an experienced Social Security Disability attorney to put your application in the best position to get approved.

What Are Social Security Disability Benefits?

As of 2022, nearly 9 million people are receiving Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program was created in 1956 to provide financial security to those who can no longer work due to disability. However, access to these benefits is tightly restricted.

SSDI provides modest support for people who work and pay into the program through payroll tax withholding, just like you do for Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security retirement benefits. SSDI is separate from work-provided disability programs.

In addition to work credit requirements, disability benefits are limited to those who qualify under the Social Security Administration’s strict definition of disability. If your condition does not fall into one of the disability categories, you will likely have to appeal your case to get approved.

What Is Supplemental Security Income?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is separate from SSDI. SSI payments are available to most disabled workers, but others can also receive SSI benefits. SSDI is limited to disabled individuals who have enough work credits to qualify. SSI is for eligible applicants who are disabled, blind, over the age of 65, or have limited income.

Who Can Apply for Disability Benefits?

SSDI eligibility depends on your work history. You have to have an earnings record of enough credits over your lifetime to qualify for Social Security and SSDI benefits. Up to four Social Security work credits can be earned annually based on wages. You must have earned a minimum number of credits based on your age and the number of credits in the previous 10 years.

Typically, benefits are for people who are deemed permanently disabled. Your impairments must be severe enough to prevent you from performing your previous work or adapting to other types of work. A disabling condition must be expected to last for at least one year or will result in death.

What Is the Disability Determination Process?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a five-step process for evaluating a disability claim. These steps assess the following issues:

  • Whether you are working above the substantial gainful activity level
  • The severity of your physical and/or mental condition
  • Meeting or equaling a medical condition as defined by the SSA
  • Your ability to do your previous work
  • Your ability to adapt to different substantial gainful work

These issues are evaluated based on medical evidence provided by you or your health care providers. You can provide information about the challenges your condition creates, such as limited mobility, pain, fatigue, and other physical or mental challenges.

The SSA can use third-party information to expand its understanding of your condition. In some cases, the SSA may request that you attend an independent medical exam to provide additional information about your disability.

Why Was My SSDI Application Denied?

There are multiple reasons why your claim for SSDI benefits can be denied. These can involve a lack of evidence, application errors, or any combination of the following:

  • Continuing to work and earn income
  • Lack of medical evidence
  • The condition does not qualify as a disability
  • Being unavailable for contact
  • Administrative or clerical errors

Appealing a Denial of Disability Benefits

The approval rate for first-time benefits of SSDI benefits is low. Around two-thirds of claims result in denials. After an initial denial, you have the opportunity to appeal through the reconsideration process or by way of a hearing.

If your claim was denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. There are several levels in the appeals process before a claim is finally denied. But if you wait too long to file an appeal, your case may be dismissed, meaning you have the start the process over.

How Can a Social Security Disability Lawyer Help?

Many people with disabilities give up after their SSDI application is denied. They may not think they can afford a lawyer to file an appeal. However, many Social Security disability lawyers will represent you with a contingency agreement. This means that you don’t have to pay anything upfront. Your lawyer will only take a fee if they win your case.

Most Social Security disability attorneys will also offer a free or low-cost consultation. This will give you a chance to have someone review your case at little to no cost out-of-pocket. As soon as you get notice of an appeal, you should contact an SSDI attorney to find out about your legal options. A lawyer can file an appeal and review your claim to see why you were denied.

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