SSDI FAQs
- What is SSDI?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a payroll tax-funded, federal insurance program intended to provide income to people who cannot work because of a disability.
- What is Social Security’s (SSA) definition of “disability”?
Social Security’s definition of “disability” is being unable to work because of a verifiable mental or physical impairment that has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year, or result in death.
- How do I qualify for SSDI?
- You must be insured, which means you must have worked and paid into the program (with payroll taxes) for five of the last 10 years.
- You must have been disabled before reaching full-retirement age (65-67).
- You must meet Social Security’s definition of disability (see question #2).
- Why should I apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits?
- You are entitled to these benefits based on payroll taxes you have paid and your employer has matched.
- SSDI provides you with income until your condition improves, offers assistance to help you return to work and provides ongoing income if your condition does not improve.
- Other SSDI benefits include access to Medicare, prescription drug assistance and protection for your future Social Security retirement benefits.
- How difficult is it to get Social Security disability benefits?
The SSA denies about 63 percent of initial disability applications. It also can take a long time – on average two to four years.
- How do I determine if I qualify for SSDI?
Complete our FREE and easy Social Security disability benefits evaluation now to determine if you qualify for SSDI.
- Should I hire a disability representative or disability advocate to help me file my initial disability application?
You may apply for disability benefits on your own. However, a recent report by the federal government indicated that people submitting an initial disability application for SSDI might benefit from using a third-party disability representative. Most SSDI applicants – about 90 percent according to the SSA – have a disability representative for their appeal, but recent studies show that having a disability representative earlier in the process significantly improves your chances for getting approved for SSDI, which means quicker access to the benefits you deserve.
- If my benefits were denied, do I need to hire a disability representative to help me with my disability appeal?
SSDIExperts.com can help you obtain SSDI benefits whether you are just beginning your disability application or, in this case, have already been denied disability benefits. According to the SSA, 90 percent of claimants who reach the hearing level, or their second appeal, choose to have a disability representative on their side. And having representation for your disability appeal is key to getting your Social Security disability benefits.
- How long will I have to wait for a decision?
Unfortunately, getting your disability claim through the SSDI backlog and process does not happen quickly. It usually takes about three to five months for the initial disability application decision. Reconsideration (first appeal in most states) usually takes another three to five months. The second appeal, before an administrative law judge in SSA’s Office of Disability Adjudication and Review, took 491 days on average to process in 2009.
- How much could I receive?
The average monthly SSDI income is $1,064 in 2010. However, your amount will be determined by the amount of your past earnings that have been subject to FICA taxes, using a complicated formula. This online benefits calculator should help you determine how much you can expect to receive in monthly SSDI benefits.
- Will I receive additional disability benefits if I have children/dependents?
Children up to age 18 or who have not graduated from high school are entitled to benefits if a parent is deceased, retired or disabled. Dependent children of a parent with a disability usually will receive about 50 percent of the parent's monthly SSDI benefit. That 50 percent is divided equally among all eligible dependents.
- Can the SSA stop my Social Security Disability Insurance benefits?
It’s not common, but yes, the SSA may stop your disability benefits if your condition improves and you no longer meet the SSA’s definition of “disabled.” SSA must prove there has been medical improvement related to your ability to work before you lose your SSDI benefits.
- What is the difference between Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a means-based program, which provides monthly benefits to people who have not paid enough FICA taxes, have limited income and resources and who are disabled, blind or age 65 or older.
- Blind or disabled children, as well as adults, can get SSI benefits.
- Your household income in 2010 cannot exceed $674.00 per month for an individual or $1,011.00 for a couple, and the value of your resources must be below $2,000 for an individual, or $3,000 for a couple.
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a payroll tax-funded, federal insurance program intended to provide income to people who cannot work because of a disability.
- You must be insured, which means you must have worked and paid into the program (with payroll taxes) for five of the last 10 years.
- You must have been disabled before reaching full-retirement age (65-67).
- You must meet Social Security’s definition of disability (see question #2).
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Get Help with Your SSDI Claim
A recent report by the federal government indicated that people submitting an initial SSDI application might benefit from using a third-party disabilityrepresentative.
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