Introduction to Social Security Disability (SSD)

SSD or social security disability refers to the benefits paid to disabled workers whoa re unable to perform their jobs as a result of illness or injury. It is available for long term disability only to qualified individuals. The SSD program is administered in conjunction with other social security programs, such as the supplemental security program- SSI- and with other worker’s protection programs such as worker’s compensation insurance.

Eligibility for SSD

Individuals who have worked for a sufficient length of time and who have a severe enough disability may qualify for SSD. Generally, to qualify, you must:

1. Have worked for a set minimum period of time. If you are disabled before aged 24, you must have worked for 1.5 years prior to disability; if you are between 24 and 31 you must have worked for half the time between your 24th birthday and your age at disability; if you are over 31, you must have worked for five of the previous ten years
2. Be severely disabled. Your disability must preclude you from working at your job or at any job you are qualified for. The SSA has a “blue book” of covered disabilities, or you can prove your disability significantly impairs your ability to function by providing medical evidence of impairment
3. Not be earning income. If you earn money while on SSD, your benefits may be discontinued. Exceptions are made for a trial period during the Ticket to Work program in which you can try out a job for up to 9 months while still receiving benefits to see if you are capable of working

SSD and SSI

SSD is a program that is for disabled adults only. The supplemental security income, or SSI program, on the other hand, can apply to disabled children as well as to disabled adults. SSI payments provide additional income to those who have only a small amount of income coming in each month.

Children who are disabled, or children with a disabled parent, may qualify for SSI. A disabled adult may also qualify for SSI in conjunction with SSD if his income is below set maximum levels for his state.

SSD and Worker’s Compensation

Worker’s compensation, in contrast to SSD, does not require you to have worked for a minimum amount of time. Worker’s compensation is insurance your employer purchases which provides you with payment for injuries sustained at work, as well as for payment of lost wages if you are disabled.

Worker’s compensation benefits may reduce your SSD or SSI benefits, depending on how much you receive from your employer’s worker’s compensation policy.

Getting Help

If you are disabled, SSD and the other programs out there may be able to help. You should speak with an experienced disability lawyer who can explain to you the benefits that may be available and who can help you determine what you qualify for. A disability attorney can also help you apply for the appropriate benefits to maximize your chances that the SSA will determine you are covered for benefits.