There was a time when the senior community didn’t get any help from the government. Thus, if they were living on their own, it would’ve been quite difficult for them to get by alone.
However, thanks to recent development, the government of the USA has decided to offer two different programs in this aspect, including –
- SSI or Supplemental Security Income, and
- SSDI or Social Security Disability Insurance.
Although each of them is quite unique on its own, we’ll mainly focus on SSDI through this article. So, without making any further ado, let’s start reading right away. Or, if you want to get the gist, don’t forget to Click Here.
What Is SSDI?
SSDI, otherwise known as Social Security Disability Insurance, is a supportive program that is offered to disabled individuals. However, it won’t be provided to everyone.
If you have a qualifying work history, either through your family or your own employment, it can be validated for you. Just submit the necessary paperwork and you’ll get what you want.
Who Is Eligible For SSDI?
In the previous section, we’ve already talked about the fundamentals of SSDI. However, now, we’ll focus on the eligibility criteria. You already have some sort of information in this aspect though. So, this section will try to broaden your know-how a little more.
To be eligible for an SSDI application, you’ll need to be –
- Meet the definition of disability as written by the SSA.
- Unable to do work, as you’re suffering from a kind of medical issue, which might last for a year or so.
- Younger than the retirement age as said in the law depiction of your area.
Apart from these, having a short-term or partial disability isn’t going to be much of a help in this aspect. You have to show the documentation regarding your health issue as well.
Important Note: If you’ve qualified for the disability benefits, a few people in your family are going to receive the right ones. However, the whole situation will largely depend on your work record. Visit the official page of SSA to know more about this context.
Types Of Disability Insurance
The core aim of disability insurance is simple.
If you can’t work owing to your illness or injury, you’ll get a part of your income. You might be able to get this insurance from your employer or buy your own policy if needed.
In this context, you can choose between two different policies as a whole. Let’s keep reading this article till the end to know more about it.
- A short-term policy, as the name suggests, will pay for around two years or so. And, usually, most of them will last from a few months to a year.
- A long-term policy, on the other hand, will pay for quite a few years as a whole. But, in some cases, it might keep going until your disability is cured entirely.
Employers, who’re offering the coverage, might offer both long-term and short-term options depending on what you’re looking for. However, if you want to purchase your own policy, be sure to shop around a little and ask the following –
- When do the benefits begin?
- How are they defining disability?
- How long are the benefits going to last?
- What’s the amount of money the policy will pay?
Depending on the answers you’re getting, you can either choose to get your preferred policy or go for something else. Talk to your attorney to know more about this context.
How To Apply For SSDI?
The application procedure for SSDI is pretty easy, unlike what most people tend to think. But, it’s still best to opt for an attorney who has a clear idea about the whole situation, and, hence, can help accordingly. They also won’t charge a huge amount of money. So, no worries.
Usually, you can apply for an SSDI form online. You can fill it up accordingly and submit it as it’s been told on the website. However, if you want to go for an offline version, it’s best to go to the office in person. Calling them might also be beneficial in this aspect.
- Once your application gets approved, you’ll have to wait for five months prior to the benefits to getting started. Call the office if there’s any delay regarding the same.
- If your application has been denied for some reason, you have to know about it first. In case you can’t do anything else, it’s better to make the appeal again.
Now, when you’re applying for an SSDI, you’ll need to offer some more data regarding the person you’re doing it for. Here’s what you might have to provide in this context –
- The place and date of your birth.
- Your social security number.
- The name, date of birth, and the social security number of your spouse.
- The date and place of your marriage and divorce (if applicable).
Apart from these, the transit number of your bank or any other financial institution is available out there. Also, don’t forget to offer the required account information too.
What Does The Application Process Look Like?
Whether you’re applying by phone, online, or in person – the application process for SSDI is going to look the same. Here’s what you need to know about it.
- At first, you’ll have to gather the documentation and information you’ll need to make the application. Don’t forget to review the adult disability checklist prior to that.
- Take the form, go through it, and fill up each section accordingly. The organization is going to review everything. And, if they find something wrong, it’ll get canceled.
- Once the processing of the application is done, the SSA will forward your case to the DDS or Disability Determination Services office.
After that, the state agency will make the decision accordingly and let you know about it by sending a letter to your home. It’ll come within the first week after making an application.
The Bottom Line
So, that’ll be all for this article. Hopefully, we could help you adequately in this regard. But, if you need anything else, don’t hesitate to comment below.
We’ll try our best to help you out as soon as possible.