Social Security Disability Insurance: Key Facts
If you’re disabled and can’t work, you might need to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments. But if you aren’t 62, it may be difficult to qualify for benefits. Social Security uses a strict definition when it comes to approving disability. The approval is referred to as a “compassionate allowance.”
If you’re disabled and unable to work, you may need to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments. However, if you’re under 62, qualifying for benefits can be challenging. Social Security has strict criteria for approving disability, which they call a “compassionate allowance.”
Only Total Disability Paid
If you’re partially disabled, you won’t qualify for SSDI. You must be completely disabled with a medically determinable impairment.
Disability is defined as the inability to engage in “substantial gainful activity” due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment. This impairment must be expected to last for at least 12 continuous months or result in death.
A medically determinable mental or physical impairment must result from anatomical, psychological, or physiological abnormalities. Acceptable clinical and laboratory diagnostic techniques can show these abnormalities.
Need to Have Worked to Qualify
To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked jobs covered by Social Security and met the strict definition of disability.
Social Security work credits are assigned based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income.
The formula in 2023 is one credit for each $1,640 yearly income. You can only earn four credits per year. So, $6,560 generates the maximum credits.
Incapable of Working
An inability for “gainful activity” means that you cannot work. Your medical or mental disability prevents you from performing your previous job, as well as adjusting to other work.
Your condition must have lasted for the last full year and is expected to continue for at least a year or result in death.
Social Security has strict criteria for defining disability. Short-term disabilities are not eligible for SSDI because it is assumed that you have resources like short-term disability insurance, worker’s compensation, insurance, savings, and investments.
Traditional Disabilities That Were Covered
There are several types of impairments that qualify for adults aged 18 or older, and some may also apply to children under 18.
Types of impairments include:
- musculoskeletal disorders
- special senses and speech
- respiratory disorders
- cardiovascular system
- digestive disorders
- endocrine disorders
- congenital disorders
- neurological disorders
- mental disorders
- cancer (malignant neoplastic diseases)
- immune system disorders
While this is the main list, having one of these impairments doesn’t guarantee disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) considers all evidence from medical and non-medical sources and evaluates the person’s ability to function in a work setting.
Some non-medical sources include public and private social welfare agencies, caregivers, neighbors, employers, and family members.
There are other qualifications; visit the SSA website for more information.
New Disabilities Covered
In August 2023, the SSA announced 12 new compassionate allowances, including conditions like anaplastic ependymomo, leber congenital amaurosis, childhood pineoblastoma, sarcomatoid carcinoma of the lung (stages II–IV), and more.
Due to the severity of these conditions, claims are often approved based on medical confirmation.
In a press release about the new allowances, Acting Commissioner Kijakazi stated that the SSA is committed to reducing barriers and ensuring eligible individuals receive SSDI benefits.
Waiting Period for Social Security Disability Benefits
There is often confusion about how long you must wait to apply for and receive Social Security benefits. Referred to as the “five-month rule,” you must wait five months after being deemed disabled by the SSA to receive benefits. You will receive benefits in the sixth month.
However, this doesn’t mean you have to be off work for five months. It means that once the SSA determines you’re disabled, you wait five months.
You must still be out of work for 12 consecutive months before you can apply for SSDI. So, in reality, you are waiting 17 months for benefits.
There is an accelerated program for compassionate allowances. The SSA utilizes advanced technology to identify these cases, allowing for quick decisions. Social Security’s health IT incorporates electronic medical records and speeds up the determination process.
This enables the SSA to obtain, review, and make quick decisions based on medical information.
Monthly Payment for Social Security Disability
In 2022, the annual federal SSDI payment for an individual was $10,092.40. In 2023, there was an 8.7 percent cost-of-living increase, bringing the annual amount to $10,970.44. The monthly maximum payment for 2023 is $914.
Many states supplement the SSDI payment. For example, Texas provides 45 monthly payments of $1,341.37, and California provides $1,374.93.
According to the SSA website, six states do not supplement SSDI payments:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Mississippi
- North Dakota
- Tennessee
- West Virginia
If you believe you’re not receiving the maximum amount, check your SSA work history for any gaps and ensure they have your correct income information.
Social Security Disability Insurance a Stop Gap
For many people, SSDI is their primary source of income. Fortunately, many states provide additional benefits to supplement this income.
If you think you’re eligible for SSDI, visit the SSA website and submit an application. Once deemed eligible, it’s advisable to contact your state to receive additional benefits.
The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.
How can an individual apply for SSDI benefits and what information should be included in their application?
Or any other type of work that exists in the national economy. This means that you are unable to earn a certain amount of income as a result of your disability.
When evaluating your ability to work, Social Security considers the nature of your impairment, your age, your education, your past work experience, and your transferable skills. If it is determined that you are capable of adjusting to other types of work, even if you cannot perform your previous job, you may not qualify for SSDI benefits.
How to Apply for SSDI Benefits
If you believe you meet the criteria for SSDI benefits, you can apply by visiting your local Social Security office or by applying online. The application process requires you to provide detailed information about your medical condition, work history, and other relevant information.
When applying for SSDI benefits, it is important to have thorough documentation of your disability. This can include medical records, test results, and statements from healthcare professionals. The more evidence you can provide to support your claim, the better your chances of being approved for benefits.
The Compassionate Allowance Program
For certain medical conditions that are clearly severe and meet the definition of disability, Social Security has a program called the Compassionate Allowance Program. This program expedites the application process for individuals with these conditions, allowing them to receive benefits more quickly.
The Compassionate Allowance Program includes a list of specific medical conditions that automatically qualify for SSDI benefits. Examples of these conditions include certain types of cancer, rare genetic disorders, and progressive neurological disorders. If you have one of these conditions, your application will be fast-tracked for approval.
Appealing a Denial
If your SSDI application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. It is essential to carefully review the denial letter and understand the reasons for the denial. You can gather additional evidence or seek the assistance of an attorney or advocate to help strengthen your case.
The appeals process involves multiple stages, and it can be lengthy and complex. It is important to pay attention to the deadlines for each stage of the process and provide any requested documentation in a timely manner. The assistance of a legal professional can be invaluable during the appeals process.
In Conclusion
If you are disabled and unable to work, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments can provide you with financial support. However, qualifying for benefits can be challenging,
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