GETTING MONEY FROM SSDI

SSDI stands for Social Security Disability Insurance.  When you first began working, the Government deducted a percentage of your wages, called a FICA tax.  This continued as long as you worked, in most cases.  This money was matched by your employer and set aside in a government trust fund to help you if you later became disabled and could not work.

SSDI is a type of government sponsored insurance program, usually called "Social Security disability insurance."  To get benefits out of SSDI, you must prove 
  1. that you have a medical disability so severe that you cannot work any full-time job;
  2. that this disability has lasted, or is expected to last, for at least 12 consecutive months.
That sounds simple but Social Security has made it rather difficult to prove that you are disabled.  One reason is that their definition of 'disability' is so strict.  You usually must prove that you cannot perform even simple, unskilled work at the sedentary (sitting) level.  So, a teacher, engineer or veterinarian who could still work as a telemarketer, receptionist or food and beverage clerk would be denied benefits.

On top of that, the application process is somewhat lengthy and may be confusing.

Most claimants will get denied and this incudes many claimants who are truly disabled and will qualify for benefits later in the process.  So be sure to appeal any denial and take it to the next step. (Not the same thing as filing a new application).

My website attempts to answer many common questions about SSDI.  If your question is not answered there, please feel free to contact me at the number which appears on the top of this screen.  Consultations and case evaluations are free.

Comments

  1. UnknownDecember 7, 2016 at 6:31 PM

    I see that you are a lawyer and really appreciate your authoritative advice online. There are so many fly-by-nights that it's nice to see someone reputable putting up information. One option not mentioned in your post for those who are not yet disabled is to get a private short or long term disability insurance policy through work.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Randy LawrenceFebruary 6, 2017 at 10:43 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Randy LawrenceSeptember 13, 2017 at 4:26 AM

    When I applied for the SSI, I was rejected immediately. Many people who get that rejection take it at face value, but I knew it had to be an automated process. I filed an appeal with the help of my lawyer and showed I was unable to work any type full-time job, and a few weeks later I was approved for the benefits that I deserved.

    ReplyDelete

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