The Social Security Administration offers two different disability benefits. On the one hand, you can apply for SSDI if you meet all the requirements. If you do not, then, you can explore Supplemental Security Income or SSI.
These 2 programs are the most important ones in the United States. Both disability benefits are available at the Federal level. Thus, all Americans with a qualifying disability can apply.
Although SSDI can provide recipients with checks worth up to $3,822, the average payments are much lower. As a matter of fact, they are just about $1,537 in 2024, up from $1,489 claimed SSA.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO GET DISABILITY BENEFITS LIKE SSDI?
If you would like to apply for SSDI, you must have worked first in jobs covered by Social Security. That implies that you must have paid enough taxes to the Administration for the work you did.
For every $1,730 of earnings in 2024, Social Security gives you 1 work credit. It was $1,640 in 2023, so it has increased. Remember that you can only get 4 credits in one year, so you may need a few years of work to get disability benefits.
The older you are, the more credits you need to get disability benefits. Simply get a Social Security statement and see if you qualify for SSDI because you have enough work credits.
However, you must have a condition that allows you to qualify for disability benefits. Otherwise, you will not be eligible for any of the 2 benefits in the United States.
DOES YOUR CONDITION MEET THE STRICT DEFINITION OF DISABILITY TO GET SSDI?
The Social Security Administration will ask you for medical certificates to prove you have a qualifying disability. Apart from that, they may request other information they deem necessary.
If they think your condition does not meet Social Security’s definition of disability, you will not qualify for benefits worth up to $3,822. Even if you qualify, they will periodically check that your disability continues.
For your information, the Social Security Administration only pays disability benefits if you have not been able to work for one year due to your condition. What is more, there is a 5-month waiting period.
It is sometimes longer than that because there are delays. Do not forget that certain members of your family may get SSDI benefits too. Of course, this is only possible if you are insured. Apply as soon as possible to get money every month.