Social Security Disability benefits make up one of the largest federally funded programs in the United States. This program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in order to assist individuals who are suddenly unable to work due to a disability. This program is not to be mistaken for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which covers patients based on overall financial need. SSDI covers those who meet Social Security Disability requirements, which means applicants worked and paid Social Security taxes over certain period of time.

When submitting a Social Security Disability application, certain documents are needed to verify your eligibility. Most importantly, you must prove your medical condition to the SSA, as they make decisions to approve or deny an application. Your work history will also be examined. Based on your eligibility other members of your family may also receive benefits through this program. Read on to better understand what SSDI is and determine if you are eligible to receive support.

What are Social Security Disability benefits?

Workers apply for Social Security Disability Insurance when a sudden disability or disease prevents them from continuing to work. These benefits operate similar to SSI and Social Security retirement benefits, in that they are distributed on a monthly basis to those who qualify.

However, the specific qualifications for this program depend more on an applicant’s medical status and work history, rather than Social Security Disability income limits or retirement status. Providing detailed medical reports and information regarding doctors and other healthcare professionals is an important part of the application process.

Understanding Social Security Disability Requirements

Meeting the SSA’s definition of “disability” is a crucial factor in receiving these types of benefits. The SSA only pays for total disability, which means you do not get paid out for partial or short-term disability purposes. Overall, the SSA considers the following questions when reviewing a Social Security Disability application:

• Are you currently working? While income limits are not the most important factor, if your earnings average of more than $1,220 a month during the year, you cannot be considered disabled under this program.
• How severe is your condition? Qualified medical conditions significantly limit your ability to do basic work for at least a 12 month period. This includes lifting, standing and walking. If these conditions are not met your application may be denied.
• Does your condition appear on the SSA list of disabling conditions? The SSA has a certain list of impairments on their website that are considered when you apply for SSDI. Each applicant should research and understand if their disabilities fall into these categories.
• Can you still perform your most recent job? The SSA will decide if your medical impairment prevents you from performing your regular work tasks.
• Can you perform any type of work? Not only will the SSA examine your work history, they will also determine if other work is available despite your medical impairment.

An applicant must also have a certain amount of “work credits” to be eligible to receive SSDI. Since SSDI benefits are awarded based on Social Security taxes paid, you earn credits as you work. While the amount you need to earn to gain one credit changes, you can earn a maximum of four credits each year.

The amount of credits you need to have in order to qualify depends on how recently you worked and how old you were when your disability began. Social Security Disability for children and surviving spouses is also available based on this qualification.

How much is Social Security Disability Insurance?

Once Social Security Disability requirements are met, the SSA determines the level of benefits you can receive. This is also largely based on the amount of Social Security taxes you paid over your lifetime, as well as any other government benefits you receive, regardless of the severity of your disability.

Most households receive benefit amounts between 150 and 180 percent of their Social Security. When it comes to the question “Can you work while on disability?” the answer is yes, with some limitations. It is important to note that if you are working in a minor capacity while on disability, your payment can be reduced.

You also need to keep in mind that your first SSDI benefit payment, if approved, is not issued until the sixth month after your disability has occurred. Your benefits can be used to pay for many of your needs, including medical expenses not covered by Medicare. To learn about Medicare coverage, download our comprehensive Medicare guide.

How to Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance

In order to determine your Social Security Disability status as soon as possible, it is important to apply for this program immediately upon impairment. The SSA makes it very simple for you to apply, either online, by phone or in person at a local SSA office. Whenever you apply, you must submit your verification documents and are undergo a disability interview. The information you must provide includes:

• A list of your medical condition(s).
• The date your disability occurred and how it prevents you from working.
• Your height and weight at the time of submitting a Social Security Disability application.
• A list of doctors, hospitals or clinics that you visited regarding your disability.
• A list of your prescribed medications and their purposes.
• An explanation of medical tests performed due to your disability, and any additional tests you may need in the future.
• A list of up to five jobs that you held in the last 15 years prior to becoming disabled.

Once you submit the required paperwork, your application is sent to Disability Determination Services (DDS) to determine your eligibility. This state agency is authorized by the SSA to audit and submit application findings. Once the claim is completed, DDS reports the findings to the SSA for final determination.

Who else may be eligible for SSDI benefits?

Other groups are also eligible to receive benefits, including spouses. SSDI spouse benefits are paid to the spouse of a disabled worker who currently receives benefits. To qualify, you must be married for at least one year, be at least 62 years of age and not be receiving a higher benefit from Social Security retirement.

SSDI dependent benefits are also offered to the children of qualified SSDI applicants. An eligible child could either be biological, adopted or a step child. To receive SSDI, the unmarried child must be younger than 18 years of age, a full time student up to 19 years of age or 18 and older with a disability. If you are deemed eligible for SSDI, you may also qualify for Medicare early. To learn more about Medicare eligibility for disabled applicants, download our comprehensive Medicare guide.