Work is important. A career allows you to bring income into your life. Most people use this money to deal with daily costs such as housing, food, and car expenses. Sadly, there are things that can stop you from working, such as a disability. When a person has a disability, they might not be able to do what they used to. However, you should know there is relief out there to help you. Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) is one type of relief!
What is Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)?
The Social Security Disability Income program is an assistance option that the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides. With SSDI, those who receive it and eligible members in their households can benefit, but only if they qualify. To receive benefits, the applicant will have to be “insured.” An applicant that is “insured” should:
- Make sure they paid Social Security taxes on their earnings
- Have a qualifying employment background
Applying for SSDI
When you plan to apply for this program, you will find it to be very simple. You can apply on the phone, online, or through an in-person appointment. Typically, the application process is as follows:
- You should gather documents for the application. If you are interested in finding out what kind of information you need to present, you can always use the Adult Disability Checklist. The SSA provides this checklist.
- You should go through your application before you present your documents. Make sure that all the information you offer is true and accurate.
- After you give in your application, the SSA will review your application. They will figure out whether you meet the minimum eligibility requirements to receive disability relief.
- After the SSA looks through your application, they will send it to your state’s Disability Determination Services office.
- The Disability Determination Services office is in charge of looking through your application to determine your disability.
What You Should Know About Your Application
As we mentioned above, you should look through the Adult Disability Checklist to find out about all the information you should offer. Some of the information that you can find on the checklist could include:
- When you were born and the location
- If it is possible, information about your spouse (previous and your current)
- If it is possible, information about your marriage (previous and your current)
- Social Security number
- If it is possible, information about your children (in the case that they are younger than the age of 18)
- Contact information on someone that is updated on your medical disability
- Information about your medical disability
- Financial information
- Information about your employer
- Employment background that is relevant (up to five jobs in the last 15 years)
The Amount You Can Benefit from SSDI
How many people will benefit from the SSDI? That depends on their current status. The average benefit amount per month for 2023 is $1,483! Just remember that the amount you receive could be more or less than the average–it depends on your current situation.
How Long Will It Take Until You Get Your Benefits?
The SSDI program, unfortunately, has a waiting period. Usually, the waiting period will last five months before someone can receive benefits. The program sends over the first payment on the sixth month after the disability date. The disability date is the date the SSA determines your disability.
Qualifying Disability Conditions for SSDI
Not all medical conditions will qualify for SSDI. Medical conditions that lead to complete disability can be eligible for the SSDI. Partial disabilities and temporary disabilities will not qualify. Complete disabilities (also known as total disabilities) that are eligible must:
- Lead to someone not being able to participate in any substantial gainful activity (SGA)
- Lead to someone who cannot work
- Last one year or be expected to last one year
- Could lead to death
A lot of different medical conditions that qualify could include:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Chronic Kidney Disease
- Epilepsy
- Different types of cancer
- Anxiety Disorder
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- Dermatitis
Other Support Opportunities to Consider
The SSDI program could be a great option, but there are other opportunities to consider. Some opportunities include:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Another assistance option for those who are financially struggling is SSI. This is a program that can help people that have restricted income and resources. However, they should have a disability, blindness, or be at least the age of 65. People that are eligible for the SSI can receive payments per month worth up to:
- $914 for one person
- $1,371 for two people (a couple)
If you have a disability, then you might find that the application process is similar to the SSDI. On the other hand, there is a possibility that you can be eligible for this option, even if there is no disability involved.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Groceries can be a challenging cost that people need to manage in some way, shape, or form. It is important to know what relief option is available. The federal government established SNAP to support eligible recipients with grocery expenses. SNAP will offer monthly payments through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. These EBT cards with payments can be used at stores like supermarkets that allow these types of payments. Recipients can only use it to buy eligible grocery items.
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
The last option for alternative support opportunities on this list is Section 8 housing. Housing vouchers are offered through Section 8 housing to qualifying applicants. These vouchers can be used for housing costs in the private housing market. Recipients can only use this on properties that allow these vouchers. Additionally, the properties need to go through an inspection that the local Public Housing Authority (PHA) performs.
Overall
Living with a disability can be hard. If you relate to this situation, you can benefit from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). The federal government established the SSDI program to help people with a medical disability that have an eligible employment background. In 2023, the average benefit amount is worth $1,483 to recipients. Other than this type of relief, other opportunities that can help people who are struggling include:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
No matter what you are struggling with, you should know about your options. If you want to apply for SSDI, you should contact the Social Security office in your area. You can also contact the SSA or look through their website to get more information.