What is Social Security Disability?
The History of SSDI
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program in the United States that provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability.
The Social Security program was established in 1935 as part of the New Deal legislation under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Initially, the program focused primarily on retirement benefits. In 1956, the Social Security Act was amended to include provisions for disability insurance. This change was driven by the recognition that many individuals faced long-term disabilities that prevented them from earning a living. Funding for the SSDI program comes from payroll taxes collected under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA).
Employees and employers contribute to the Social Security system, which in turn funds various benefits, including disability insurance.
SSDI and its Purpose
The primary purpose of SSDI is to provide financial assistance to individuals unable to work due to severe disabilities, helping cover essential living expenses like housing, food, and healthcare.
To qualify, individuals must meet certain work history requirements and have a medical condition that fits the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability, typically lasting at least 12 months or resulting in death. SSDI also encourages beneficiaries to try returning to work without losing their benefits, allowing them to test their ability to work while still receiving support.
Overall, SSDI serves as a crucial safety net for millions of Americans, promoting financial stability and dignity for those unable to support themselves.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability
Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability?
According to the Social Security Administration, an applicant can be found to be disabled if he or she:
- has a listed impairment,
- has a severe impairment that is equal to a listed impairment,
- has a severe impairment when medical and vocational factors are considered, or
- had previously established entitlement to a disability benefit.
An applicant can be denied benefits if he or she:
- has an impairment that is not expected to last 12 months,
- has an impairment that is not considered severe,
- can perform his or her usual type of work,
- can perform another type of work, or
- provides insufficient medical evidence, fails to cooperate, fails to follow prescribed treatment, does not want to continue development of the claim, or returns to substantial work before disability can be established.
There is an age limit for those eligible for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits. SSDI benefits end and switch to “Retirement Benefits” once a claimant reaches “FRA” full retirement age. This age can change each year, and for those born after 1956, it will be age 66 or older, depending on the year of birth.
There is also an “Earning Credit” requirement for receiving SSDI. You must have worked five of the last ten years “on the books” and paid into the SSDI system to qualify. The Social Security Administration determines whether you have enough earnings credits when you file. The earnings can be minimal, even just a few thousand dollars per quarter. So, don't hesitate to file, even if you earned only a little. If you don't have enough credits for SSDI, you might still qualify for SSI, or “Supplemental Security Income” benefits.
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