Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits

Last updated December 11, 2024

Social Security benefits aren’t only for retirement. You also pay into Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) 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’s basic needs.

To get benefits, you have to submit an SSDI application and get approved. Unfortunately, the application process can be confusing and leave many disabled workers without their monthly payments. Talk to an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer to get approved.

What Are Social Security Disability Benefits?

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program began in 1956. SSDI provides financial security for people with disabilities who can’t work. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), over 8.9 million people received SSDI disability benefits in 2022.

SSDI provides modest support for disabled people who work and pay into the program through Social Security taxes. Your benefit amount depends on your Social Security retirement benefits. SSDI is separate from private, work-provided disability programs.

The amount of your monthly benefit depends on your work history and your average income. For more about government disability benefits, visit your local Social Security office or ssa.gov.

Disability payments are for those who qualify under the SSA’s strict definition of disability. If your condition doesn’t fall into one of the disability categories, your case can be denied, and you’ll likely have to appeal.

What Is Supplemental Security Income?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is separate from SSDI. SSI benefits are for eligible applicants who are disabled, blind, or over the age of 65. However, there are asset and income limits to qualify for SSI. If you make too much money or have too much in assets, you can’t get SSI.

Who Can Apply for Disability Benefits?

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

Typically, benefits are for people the SSA considers 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 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 or mental condition
  • Whether you meet or equal the SSA’s definition of a medical condition
  • Your ability to do your previous work
  • Your ability to adapt to different substantial gainful work

The SSA evaluates these issues based on medical evidence provided by your healthcare providers. You can give information about the challenges your condition creates on the job. This includes limited mobility, pain, fatigue, and other physical or mental challenges.

The SSA can use third-party information to expand its understanding of your condition. Sometimes, the SSA may request an independent medical exam for more information about your disability.

Why Was My SSDI Application Denied?

The SSA can deny your claim for SSDI benefits for multiple reasons. These reasons 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

Can You Appeal a Denial of Disability Benefits?

The approval rate for first-time SSDI benefit applications is low. Around two-thirds of claims result in denial. After an initial denial, you can appeal through the reconsideration process or a hearing.

After a denial, you have 60 days to file an appeal. The appeals process has several levels before a claim is finally denied. However, if you wait too long to file an appeal, the SSA will dismiss your case. This means you have to start the process all over again.

Are There Other Disability Benefits?

If you get injured at work or suffer a work-related medical condition, you can get benefits from workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ comp covers medical bills and provides wage replacement while you’re out of work. But workers’ comp is generally for short-term disability.

Some employers offer private disability insurance benefits or make disability benefits available for you to purchase. Private insurance may cover partial disabilities that aren’t covered by Social Security. Private insurance eligibility, benefits, and limitations all depend on the individual policy.

How Can a Social Security Disability Lawyer Help?

Many people with disabilities give up after their SSDI application is denied. You may not think you 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.

Many Social Security disability lawyers also offer free or low-cost consultations. This gives 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, contact an SSDI lawyer for legal advice.

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