Do You Qualify for SSDI Benefits?
Are you disabled and unable to work but unsure if you would qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, benefits?
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better.
In this video, we will discuss some of the requirements for individuals who wish to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance—or SSDI—benefits.
Work History and Credits
To qualify for SSDI, individuals must have a work history in which they have earned a certain number of work credits through their prior employment.
The number of credits needed depends on the individual’s age at the time of disability, but typically 40 total credits, with at least 20 earned in the last 10 years, are required.
Meeting the SSA’s Definition of Disability
Individuals must also have a disability that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability.
The condition must be:
- Severe enough to prevent the individual from engaging in substantial gainful activity, and
- Expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
Age Requirements and Special Cases
SSDI benefits are typically available to individuals between the ages of 18 and full retirement age who meet the work credit and disability criteria.
There are also specific rules for:
- Disabled adult children, and
- Certain survivors of deceased workers.
The Five-Month Waiting Period
There is a mandatory five-month waiting period from the onset of the disability before monthly SSDI benefits can begin.
During this period, individuals are not eligible for the monthly SSDI benefit.
Additional Considerations
It’s important to note that the eligibility criteria can be complex, and each case is assessed individually.
Meeting these criteria is essential for SSDI qualification, but individuals may still need to provide medical evidence and documentation to support their claim during the application process.
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