How do I get SSDI if I'm self-employed?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is generally funded through taxes automatically withheld from employees' gross earnings by an employer. The employer reports an employee's yearly earnings to the SSA. When self-employed individuals pay Social Security taxes on a quarterly or annual basis through their federal income tax returns, they should report all of their earnings. This will qualify them to receive benefits in the case they become disabled.

Disability Benefits for the Self Employed

To qualify for the maximum amount of benefits, those who are self-employed only has to work 10 years which is equal to 40 credits, If you are self-employed, you must keep track of your earnings so that you can estimate your potential disability benefits. You must earn a sufficient number of credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. Iif you do not have sufficient earnings to qualify SSDI, you may still qualify for monthly Supplementary Security Income benefits.

Filing a Disability Claim

To file a disability claim through the SSA, you must fill out the requisite application and provide medical documentation of your condition(s) that inhibits your ability to work. You must also sign release forms that allow the SSA to request any additional records they may need to review your claim. The SSA may also request that you submit to independent medical examinations to determine the extent of your medical condition(s). 

Once the SSA has reviewed your claim, it will notify you by mail whether you are eligible to receive disability benefits.  It may be several months before a decision is made on your claim.  If the SSA denies your claim, you have the right to request that your claim be reconsidered. This may be followed by an administrative hearing and, ultimately, a federal court case if you are not satisfied at the lower level of appeal.

Talk to an experienced disability attorney to discuss filing for SSDI benefits.