Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI is an earned benefit just like the Social Security retirement benefit. It is given to those unable to work due to disability. This disability can be bases on physical or medical impairment. To be eligible for disability an individual must be unable to perform the work previously done and not be able to adjust to other work because of the condition. The disability must be expected to last for at least one year or to result in death. At age 65 the benefit automatically converts to the retirement benefit, but the amount remains the same. 

  • Earned Benefit
  • Based on work record 
  • Funded by the Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers and the self-employed
  • For those over 18 and Under 65
  • Blind or disabled workers
  • Focuses on physical and mental impairments severe enough to prevent engaging in normal occupation or any other work.
  • Impairment expected to last 12 months or to end in death
  • Approval for SSDI can come quickly if have one of the serious medical conditions named on the Social Security Compassionate Allowance List  (Otherwise is a long process)
  • There is a five month waiting period for benefits to begin.  
  • After receiving SSDI for 24 months eligible for Medicare (with the 5 month waiting period this makes 29 months before eligible for Medicare)
  • Like Social Security retirement benefit, it can be paid to children, widows/widowers, and adults who haven’t worked but have been disabled since childhood.