Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a government program that gives financial support or income to you or other family members. The premiums are collected by way of Social Security taxes and should have been automatically deducted from your payroll while you were working.
You or an immediate family member may be eligible to receive the benefits provided you meet the disability qualifications.
Are you working and how much are you earning?
The state evaluates your earnings to determine if your work activity is Substantial Gainful Activity or SGA. If the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers your work as SGA and your income averages over $1,470 a month this 2023, you will not be qualified to receive these benefits.
If you are not working because you are mentally or physically unable to work, then you can move on to the next question.
Is your medical condition severe enough to be a disability?
To be eligible for these benefits, your medical condition must be so severe that it prevents you from doing normal and basic occupational skills. If you are unable to walk, lift, stand or sit, or if you have impaired memory for at least a year, then you may qualify.
Is your disability found in the List of Impairments?
If your medical condition is on the list of impairing medical conditions, then you meet the qualifications, and you are eligible to receive the benefits. If it is not on the list, your disability should be just as severe as those on the list, otherwise, you will not qualify.
Are you able to do your previous job?
If you can still perform the same work activity that you did the last time you were employed, then you will not be eligible.
Are you able to do other types of work?
There are so many kinds of jobs that are available out there. The SSA will take into consideration your basic personal information as well as your history of education and employment before they decide to give you financial support. If they think you are still capable of working, they will deny your claim.
What if the SSA denies my SSDI claims?
The government can find a way to prevent taxpayers from getting financial support. In fact, they deny a majority of initial claims. When this happens, you should make an appeal. Your disability entitles you to privileges, so you should not let the state deny you your right to supplemental financial support.
