Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly benefits to individuals who are unable to work for a year or more due to a disability. To be eligible for SSDI benefits, individuals must meet certain criteria such as having worked long enough under Social Security and meeting the definition of disability set by the program.
SSDI benefits typically have a 5-month waiting period before the first benefit payment is made, and benefits can continue as long as the individual is unable to work on a regular basis. Special rules and work incentives are in place to help individuals transition back to work when possible.
To qualify for disability benefits, individuals must have a certain number of work credits based on their total yearly wages or self-employment income. The amount needed for a work credit changes annually, and younger workers may be eligible for benefits with fewer credits than older individuals.
The process for determining disability involves a series of questions and evaluations by the Disability Determination Services (DDS) office. Medical conditions must significantly limit the individual’s ability to perform basic work-related activities for at least 12 consecutive months to be considered a qualifying disability.
Additionally, there are special rules for individuals who are blind and for children with disabilities. Surviving spouses and adult children with disabilities may also be eligible for benefits based on a parent’s Social Security earnings record.
For more information on SSDI eligibility, work credits, and disability determination, individuals can visit the Social Security website or contact a Social Security representative for assistance.
Attribution:
This article was summarized and republished from the original source.
Please check the original article here: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html.