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What is Disability Insurance Social Security?

by Mark Sander5 min read
disability insurance social security
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Disability insurance Social Security, also called Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI is a program that pays monthly benefits to you if you become disabled. At other times, certain members of your family may also receive compensation. You will receive this benefit if you are insured which means that you have worked long enough and have made payments for your Social Security Taxes.

This benefit is applicable to those who become disabled before they reach the retirement age and are not able to work. It is also referred to as “workers disability”.

 

Who are Eligible for Disability Insurance Social Security?

To be eligible for the Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI program, a person must have worked a certain number of years in jobs where they paid Social Security taxes. You must meet a certain number of work credits that you have earned. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year.

For those who do not meet these criteria or have not worked long enough when they become disabled, if they have low income and assets, they can apply instead for Supplemental Security Income or SSI. If you think that you are in this category and would like to see more information about it, you can visit https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/.

 

What is the Process in Applying for the SSDI Program?

When you apply to the disability insurance Social Security, your medical information will be collected and Social Security will make a decision about whether or not you meet the definition of disability according to Social Security.

If you are not sure if your situation will qualify, there is a tool on the Social Security website that you can use to find out which programs may be appropriate for you to pay you benefits. You can go to https://ssabest.benefits.gov to see which benefits you are eligible for through Social Security. There is a questionnaire that you need to complete and based on your answers, the tool will list the benefits that may apply to you. You will also see the information on how to apply for them.

 

  questionnaire

What Happens If Your Application is Denied?

If your application for disability insurance Social Security has recently been denied, you can use the Internet Appeal tool on the same Social Security website to request a review of their decision about your eligibility.