Most American adults work hard to support themselves and their families. They look forward to the day they can retire. However, some workers suffer an injury or come down with an illness that prevents them from being able to work.
In some cases, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) may become a vital lifeline for them to support themselves. SSDI is a federal program that’s designed to provide income to workers who can’t maintain gainful employment due to serious medical conditions. Eligibility for SSDI depends on work history and the severity of the disabling condition.
What are the eligibility guidelines?
There are two primary factors that are evaluated when someone applies for SSDI. First, the person must be medically eligible, meaning that their condition is serious enough to prevent them from working and is expected to last more than 12 months.
Second, the person must have earned enough work credits to qualify. Older workers will typically need to have a longer contribution history than younger workers to qualify for SSDI.
How are benefits determined?
When a person applies for SSDI, their medical records, employment documentation, and other information are considered. If a person is approved, the monthly benefit they receive is based on their prior earnings and not the diagnosis itself. This means that someone who’s worked longer may receive a larger benefit than someone who has fewer years in the workforce, and people with higher earnings may receive more than people with lower earnings.
Receiving SSDI isn’t automatic. The application process can take time, and many applicants will experience delays or denials. Appeals are possible, but having the assistance of an experienced legal professional may be beneficial for individuals who are having to fight for the SSDI benefits they need.