Introduction to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Introduction to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program put in place by the federal government in 1956, in case a worker becomes disabled and is not capable of working. Recipients of SSDI must have a working history where withholdings has been taken from their earnings for Social Security because this deduction will determine the amount of benefits they can receive if they qualify.

Who Qualifies

Firm medical requirements must be satisfied before applicants can qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance. Candidates must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of "disability", which is the lack of ability to sustain lucrative employment because of health or mental issues that may last longer than a year or that may cause possible death. The candidate for SSDI must provide medical proof that they cannot work at any type of job physically. To make this determination the Social Security Administration uses a process called sequential evaluation and it takes a five-step course before an applicant is approved. At any stage of the five step process an applicant can be denied. Spouses and children of disabled qualified recipients also receive benefits; however, there are maximum benefit restrictions.

Average Benefits

Benefits are based on individual deduction amounts from a recipient's income over his or her working history. Average earnings in 2006 for a SSDI recipient were close to $950; spouses received close to $250; $300 was received by the children of disabled recipients. Social Security Disability benefits are adjusted to reflect inflations and any other monetary benefits received. SSDI benefits are not reduced by Supplemental Security Income (SSI) since SSI is based on need and SSDI isn't.

Termination of Benefits

Termination of benefit isn't usually due to medical recovery although there have been reported cases. The majority of benefit terminations in 2005 was due to retirement aged recipients transitioning to retirement benefits. The next popular reason for termination of SSDI benefits is due to death.

Application Process

Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program but both federal and state requirements may be considered to establish eligibility. An applicant can call their local Social Security Administration office to make an appointment to have an interview (phone interviews are also available) at which time they will be screened for medical history and to ensure all forms required are complete. An applicant may also apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov. If basic requirements are met the application is forwarded for medical determination. The state personnel who actually decide eligibility may never meet the applicant because a decision to determine SSDI eligibility is made based on what is in an applicant's file.

Denied Eligibility

As mentioned previously the application process is a five step tier to determine eligibility. During this process an applicant can be denied eligibility for several reasons. Even if an applicant passes a medical determination they could still be denied eligibility due to being above the wage requirements.

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