The federal government recognizes that individuals with disabilities require some relief which is why they established Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Many individuals might not know that this assistance option is a chance they could consider. This article will explain what SSDI is, how it can provide relief, and much more.

What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

This federal assistance program is available from the Social Security Administration (SSA). It can offer benefits to eligible people and household members as long as they remain “insured.” The conditions that mean a person is “insured” are:

Have an eligible employment background
Have paid Social Security taxes on their wages

How Can You Apply for SSDI?

If you consider applying for this program, you will find it simpler than you realize. You have the chance to apply for the program in person, through the phone, or online. No matter how you decide to apply, you can generally expect to deal with the following process:

You will need to gather documents and other personal information for your application. A neat tool you should consider using is the Adult Disability Checklist from the SSA. This checklist will give you the information you need when handling your application.
Once you gather your documents, you will need to finalize your application and send it in.
The SSA is responsible for looking through your application and finding out if you meet the basic eligibility criteria for disability benefits. Additionally, they will look through your employment history. This would include seeing if you were employed for enough years, analyzing any current employment activities, and so on.
After looking through your application, the SSA will review it and send it to the Disability Determination Services office in your current state.
Once the Disability Determination Services office gets your application, they will make their disability determination.

What Kind of Information Should You Present?

When it comes to important information that you would need to provide for applying to SSDI, there is basic information that you would probably need to present. While you can look through the Adult Disability Checklist to verify, you should expect to offer the following personal information:

Where and when you are born
Your Social Security number
The information listed above for your present or previous spouse
Relevant marriage information (if it applies) such as where and when you were married, when you were divorced, and more.
Names of any of your kids that are less than the age of 18
When your children were born, if they are less than the age of 18
Financial data
Contact information of a person that has a basic understanding of your medical conditions
Information about your medical condition which includes information on your doctor, your medications, and more
The amount you earned this year and the previous year
Information on your employer
A list of up to five employers that you worked for the last 15 years before you could not work anymore

The Amount You Can Receive From the SSDI

Individuals that receive disability benefits from SSDI can approximately receive $1,537 per month for 2024. But, the amount can reach more than that. The specific amount of benefits that you can receive is based on your current situation.

When Will You Be Able To Receive Your SSDI Payments?

It is important to remember that there is a waiting period to get these benefits. Generally, it will take about five months to get your disability benefits. The first payment will come on the sixth full month after the date the SSA has determined your disability.

Disabilities That The SSDI Consider Eligible

The most suitable method to find out if your disability is eligible for SSDI benefits is when you apply. Many medical conditions are eligible for SSDI, such as:

Different types of cancer
Chronic Kidney Disease
Dermatitis
Blindness
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Epilepsy
Anxiety

Keep in mind that this assistance program is designed by the SSA. Social Security only provides coverage for total disability conditions which means disabilities that are short-term and partial disabilities do not qualify for benefits. An eligible disability must:

Lead to the applicant not being able to work or participate in any substantial gainful activity (SGA)
Lead to the applicant not being able to work which they were able to do before
Last for at least one year or lead to death

Keep in mind that once you start getting SSDI benefits, they will transform into retirement benefits once you are at the age of retirement.

Other Assistance Opportunities to Think About

Along with the SSDI, other assistance opportunities may provide relief. Some opportunities include:

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

When eligible individuals have low income and restricted resources, then they might be able to gain from SSI. But, people need to be blind, have a disability, or be at least the age 65. The maximum amount of benefits that individuals can get is:

$943 for a person
$1,415 for a couple

If you have a disability and are interested in this program, then you will find that the application process is similar to the SSDI! It is important to remember that a disability is not necessarily a requirement to be eligible for SSI.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

When individuals require assistance with food expenses, they can gain a lot from SNAP. This program can offer funds per month to eligible individuals. The payments that recipients get will be sent to an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Recipients can use these cards at stores that accept this form of payment, but they can only buy eligible groceries. Eligible groceries include milk, dairy, bread, fruits, vegetables, cereal, and more. Some items that do not qualify are alcohol, medications, and so on.

Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

The final program on this list of alternative opportunities to consider is the Housing Choice Voucher Program, or Section 8. This program can offer eligible recipients housing vouchers. Recipients that have these housing vouchers can use them for housing costs in the private market. Some properties do not accept these vouchers as a type of payment. Even the properties that accept these vouchers as payment need to pass conditions that the local Public Housing Authority (PHA) sets. This includes passing a home inspection by the local PHA.

The Final Verdict

If you have a disability that stops you from working, you are not the only one. That is why the federal government has support options such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This program highlights helping people who have a qualifying disability and an eligible employment history. On average, recipients get $1,483 per month for 2022–it might reach more than that! Other than this program, individuals might be able to gain from alternative options such as:

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

No matter what your current situation may be, you should remember that there are more opportunities out there than you think. If you want more information, you should contact your local Social Security office. Additionally, you can find a lot of information online from the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Understanding SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance