Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Program
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Social Security disability insurance is a branch of the Social Security retirement program, and is paid for out of the same Social Security trust fund. You must have worked a certain length of time and paid Social Security taxes in order to be eligible for these disability benefits. Essentially, the Social Security disability insruance program is like an early retirement program for those who become unable to work until Social Security retirement age because of a physical or mental impairment.
Overview
SSDI disability benefits are for workers who have paid into Social Security for many years.
Your Social Security disability payment will depend on how much income you earned in recent years.
Here are the ways you can prove that you meet Social Security's definition of disabled.
There are a number of ways you can apply for SSDI.
Financial and Legal Eligibility for SSDI
How long you have to have worked to be eligible for SSDI depends on your age.
Business owners who pay self-employment taxes are eligible for SSDI.
If you paid FICA taxes, you're likely eligible for SSDI even if you aren't a citizen.
Social Security sets a dollar limit on the amount of money you can make, unless you're in a trial work program.
SSDI Benefits for Family Members
Workers who are eligible for SSDI can also get benefits for their children and spouses (and divorced spouses).
The spouse or divorced spouse of a deceased worker is eligible for a widow or widower's benefit.