How Do I File A Claim For Disability Benefits?
If you've paid into Social Security via your payroll check, you may be eligible for benefits if you meet the requirements. Learn about the process, how to approach the tasks required, and much more...
Social Security Disability Insurance: The Primer
If you are an employee, part of your salary already supports the Social Security Disability Program
When you are paid as an employee, part of the withholding amounts from your pay check go toward the Social Security Administration and the benefits and services they provide. As an employee, because you contribute to this program, you are entitled to certain benefits if you become disabled and can meet the requirements of the program. The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers 2 separate programs which pay disability benefits:
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI), also called Title 16 benefits.
SSDI is a program that pays benefits based on a person's earnings history. Each year, declared earnings are tracked and you earn quarters of coverage. These (QC) referred to as “quarterly credits,” “work credits,” or just “credits.” To be eligible for SSDI a person needs to have worked 5 out of the last 10 years before becoming disabled. Not sure if you’re eligible for SSDI. Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 and ask them “what is my date last insured. If you qualify for SSDI benefits, you will also qualify for Medicare.
If you are under age 31 the Social Security Disability Insurance criteria is different.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program designed to help you if you’re disabled, blind, or 65 or older and indigent.” There is also a SSI program for children called Disabled Child benefits (SSI DC).
Because SSI disability payments are awarded only if you’re disabled and needy, consequently there are some income and resource requirements. Income requirements are different if you are single or married. However If you qualify for SSI benefits, you also qualify for Medicaid.
This site is focused specifically on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a federal benefits program administered by each state.
How difficult is it to file a claim and receive benefits?
The first two sentences in the Agency Program Description for Social Security Disability says it all:
The purpose of this site is to provide some understanding of this 'complex' process so that a normal person can confidently file a legitimate claim. We'll start with the basic overview of the hurdles you will have to overcome.
There are basically 2 sets of eligibility criteria that you must meet, specifically, disability and non-disability criteria. In order for benefits to be awarded, a favorable finding is required for both.
It's also important to understand that initial claims for disability benefits are usually sent by SSA to a state agency which, following SSA rules and guidelines, makes the initial determination for SSA as to whether or not a claimant meets the disability criteria.
Beyond the actual disability, benefit eligibility and amount for SSDI depends primarily on the earnings of the person against which a claim is being made.