Commonly Asked Questions About SSDI Benefits
Whether you recently became disabled yourself, or you are working to help a family member determine their eligibility for disability benefits, it is important to learn more about how Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits work and what information is necessary to receive payments. Before beginning the process of applying for disability benefits, disabled adults and their family members often have a wide range of questions about these benefits. To help you gain more knowledge as you make plans to speak with a national disability benefits lawyer, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz can provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about SSDI benefits across the country.
Q: Does the Government Handle SSDI Benefits?
A: Yes, SSDI benefits are a type of federal benefit, and the program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The SSA also administers Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, as well as retirement benefits.
Q: Who is Eligible for SSDI Benefits?
A: There are two eligibility components for SSDI benefits: 1) you must have a disability, and 2) you must have a sufficient work history to qualify. The definition of a disability you must meet is a very specific one used by the SSA when making benefits determinations.
Q: How Do I Know if I Have a Disability?
A: To have a disability as the SSDI defines it, you must have a medical condition expected to last at least a year or to result in your death, and your condition must prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (or SGA for short). As we noted above, this definition is very specific and has a much narrower definition of a disability than the Americans with Disability Act (ADA), for example.
Q: What Are Work Credits?
A: To determine SSDI eligibility, the SSA will look at the recency of your work and number of hours you worked (for which you can earn credits annually), and how long you have been working. You need to have enough work credits and have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify for SSDI. There are exceptions for younger adults who have only worked a short period of time.
Q: Will My Spouse’s Income Affect SSDI Eligibility?
A: No, since SSDI is not an income-based benefit, your spouse can earn as much or as little as they want or are able to without affecting your SSDI eligibility or the amount of your SSDI payments.
Contact a National Disability Benefits Lawyer Today for Assistance
Do you have remaining questions about SSDI benefits or other types of benefits programs administered by the Social Security Administration? Or are you ready to file an application for SSDI benefits and in need of assistance to ensure that you provide a complete application to give you the best chance of being approved for benefits the first time? Whether you need answers, want help with an initial SSDI application, or require assistance with an appeal following a denial of SSDI benefits, a lawyer can help. Do not hesitate to contact an experienced national SSDI benefits attorney at the Law Offices of Stephen Barszcz for assistance with your SSDI case.
Source:
ssa.gov/disability
