While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the LIHEAP program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
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We are not affiliated with the government in any way. We are a private company that engaged writers to research the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process. We are not providing legal or financial advice. If you need such advice please contact an attorney or a financial advisor.
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is a federal assistance program that provides monthly benefits to qualifying people with disabilities.
The Social Security Disability Insurance program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Learn more about Social Security Disability Insurance on the Social Security Administration website here.
The Social Security Disability Insurance program provides monthly monetary benefits to qualifying beneficiaries.
Social Security Disability Insurance is not the same as Social Security. However, if you reach your full retirement age while receiving SSDI benefits, your benefits will be converted to retirement benefits. Should this happen, the amount of benefits that you receive each month will remain the same.
The amount of benefits that SSDI recipients receive is unique to each individual. The Social Security Administration uses a complex formula to calculate benefit amounts, and the maximum benefit amount can change annually.
The amount that an individual can receive is determined by the amount of Social Security taxes they paid before becoming disabled. Additionally, receiving certain payments through other government-regulated disability benefits programs can reduce the amount of SSDI benefits the individual can receive. Programs that impact Social Security Disability Insurance benefit amounts include workers’ compensation benefits and temporary state disability benefits.
Low-income disabled applicants may qualify for the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, which provides benefits based on financial need rather than an individual’s work history. You can learn more about the Supplemental Security Income program here.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, you must:
To meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability, you must meet the following criteria:
The Social Security Disability Insurance program does not provide benefits for short-term disability.
Learn more about the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability here.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance, you must have earned enough work credits. Work credits are based on your annual wages, with a maximum of four earned work credits each year. The amount of wages that you must earn to receive a work credit changes from year to year. However, in 2024, a work credit was earned for each $1,730 that an individual earned.
Generally, you need 40 work credits to be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance. Ten of those credits must have been earned within ten years of becoming disabled. However, younger workers can qualify with fewer work credits.
Learn more about work credit requirements for the Social Security Disability Insurance program here.
Click here to use the Benefits Eligibility Screening Tool to learn if you may qualify for SSDI or other Social Security benefit programs.
Learn more about the eligibility requirements for the Social Security Disability Insurance program here.
If you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, specific members of your family may also be eligible for benefits on your record, including your:
Qualifying family members may be eligible to receive up to 50 percent of your SSDI amount. There are limits on the maximum amount of benefits that your eligible family members may receive. That amount varies but is generally between 150 and 180 percent of your disability benefits.
Learn more about family benefits here.
You should apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits as soon as you become disabled. A Social Security disability waiting period begins after the Social Security Administration determines that you are disabled. SSDI benefits will not begin until the sixth full month of disability.
To apply for Social Security Disability Insurance, complete the following three steps:
Review the information you must provide on your SSDI application here. Learn what documents you need here.
To apply for Social Security Disability Insurance online, you must be at least 18 years of age. Click here to begin the online application through the Social Security Administration website.
To apply for Social Security Disability Insurance by phone, call 1 (800) 772-1213 to schedule an appointment. During your appointment, a Social Security Administration representative will help you complete your application.
To apply for Social Security Disability Insurance in person, click here to find your nearest Social Security office. Call your local office or 1 (800) 772-1213 to schedule an appointment and reduce your wait time.
If you have any questions about the application process or require assistance, contact the Social Security Administration at 1 (800) 772-1213. You can also email the Social Security Administration by completing the online general information form here.
Or, contact your nearest local Social Security office. Click here to find your closest Social Security office.
You can check the status of your Social Security Disability Insurance application online, by phone, or in-person:
The Social Security Administration will review your application to verify if you are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance. In some cases, the SSA may contact you for additional information before approving your application. The amount of time it may take to process your application will depend on:
Once your application has been processed, you will receive a letter detailing if your Social Security Disability Insurance application was approved or denied. If approved, you will receive a Benefit Verification Letter. If you are denied SSDI benefits, your letter will detail why you were denied benefits.
Social Security Disability Insurance applications are denied if applicants do not meet eligibility requirements.
Learn more about Social Security Disability Insurance eligibility requirements here.
If your Social Security Disability Insurance application is denied or your benefit amount is reduced, you have the right to file an appeal. You must send your request within 60 days of receiving a notice of denial or benefits reduction.
You can file for an appeal online, by mail, by phone, or in person.
To file an appeal online, complete the online Disability Appeal form here.
To file an appeal by mail, complete the Disability Report – Appeal and Authorization to Disclose Information to SSA here and submit the completed form to your local Social Security office. Click here to find your closest Social Security office.
To file an appeal by phone, contact the Social Security Administration at 1 (800) 772-1213.
To file an appeal in person, contact your nearest local Social Security office. Click here to find your closest Social Security office.
Learn more about the Social Security Disability Insurance appeal process here.
You must report changes to the Social Security Administration that may impact your Social Security Disability Insurance eligibility or benefit amount within ten days. Changes that must be reported include changes to your:
Failing to report a change can result in the loss or reduction of Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and other penalties. If you are overpaid due to a change, you will be required to pay back the overpayment.
You can report a change by calling the Social Security Administration at 1 (800) 772-1213. Otherwise, you can contact your local Social Security office.
Learn more about reporting changes to the Social Security Administration here. Click here to find your closest Social Security office.
For help with a Social Security Disability Insurance application or any further questions about the SSDI program, contact the Social Security Administration at 1 (800) 772-1213. You can also email the Social Security Administration by completing the online general information form here.
Or, contact your nearest local Social Security office. Click here to find your closest Social Security office.
While we are not affiliated with the government in any way, our private company engaged writers to research the Social Security Disability Insurance program and compiled a guide and the following answers to frequently asked questions. Our goal is to help you get the benefits that you need by providing useful information on the process.
Our free Social Security Disability Insurance Guide is filled with helpful information about how to apply, program eligibility, and how to get in touch with local offices. You can view our free guide here.