A disability can without a doubt be devastating and can oftentimes stop or limit your ability to work. Fortunately, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program assists eligible individuals with disabilities in receiving monthly payments and Medicare. The provided payments are dependent on prior work history before the disability occurred. The SSDI program also allows individuals to return to work without losing their disability benefits.
Living with a disability while on a fixed income can be extremely difficult. To learn about more ways you can save money through government and community resources, visit bmorebenefits.com. Specifically, you may benefit from SNAP Food Stamps or OHEP Energy Assistance to assist with food and energy costs at home.
How it Works
The Social Security Disability Insurance program is a federally funded program that provides monthly payments to eligible individuals who have a disability. The amount received by SSDI payments varies based on how long you have previously worked and how much you have earned during that previous period of work. Another benefit of SSDI payments is that after receiving disability payments for 24 months (if they haven’t already turned 65), SSDI recipients receive Medicare automatically.
SSDI recipients are eligible to continue to receive payments if they find employment as long as they abide by certain regulations and guidelines, which can be found here. Programs like the “Ticket to Work” program can help individuals who receive SSDI to find employment and navigate their disability benefits.
Eligibility
To be eligible for disability payments through the SSDI program, you must
Have a disability that prevents you from working for at least a year, or are blind
Satisfy the recent work test and duration work test
The work credits you earn prior to the start of your disability will determine whether you are eligible for the SSDI program. Credits are earned based on past yearly wages or self-employed income. You are able to earn 4 credits per year (one for every quarter). Every year, the threshold of income earned to receive a work credit changes. For example, in 2025, you must earn $1,810 in income a quarter to receive a work credit.
In general, if you are 31+ years old, you should have earned 20 or more credits in the 10 years prior to your disability to satisfy the recent work test. However, if you are younger than 31, you can satisfy the recent work test. Please visit the Social Security Credits Page for more information, specifically under the “Number of Credits Needed for Disability Benefits” section.
To satisfy the duration work test, you must have worked a certain amount, depending on when your disability began. The amount worked does not need to fall in a certain time period to satisfy the duration work test. However, the amount of work required for the duration work test is dependent on when your disability began. Fortunately, the SSA provides estimates for the amount of work required under the “Number of Credits Needed for Disability Benefits” section on the Social Security Credits Page.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Please complete this questionnaire to gauge whether you may be eligible for social security benefits. If the form indicates you may be eligible, please visit this website to begin the application.
Applying for SSDI benefits can be a long and demanding process, which can be difficult to complete in a single sitting. When you first create your application, make sure to note down the return number unique to your application. Your return number can allow you to save your progress and return to your application without having to start over.
Step 2: As you proceed through the application, be prepared to gather the following information and documents
Birth certificate or other proof of birth.
Proof of US citizenship. If you are not a US citizen, be prepared to provide documentation for lawful alien status (e.g., permanent resident card if not a US citizen)
Your social security number (SSN).
If married, name of your spouse and prior spouse (if the marriage lasted more than 10 years or ended in death). You can optionally provide your spouse’s SSN.
Income information for the current or most recent fiscal year. If possible, please submit documentation verifying your income (e.g., pay stubs, award letters).
Employment details for the past 5 years, not including self-employment. This includes your employer name, start/end dates, and total earnings (wages, tips, etc.)
Self-employment details for the past 5 years, including the business type and total net income.
Other income information for the past 5 years
Direct deposit information (account type and number, bank routing number)
Your medical condition that hinders your ability to work, your doctor’s name and contact information, medications you take, and dates of related medical tests.
Dates of any emergency room or overnight hospital visits
Medical evidence from your physician that indicates your disability.
Step 3: Take advantage of the additional information sections to clarify details regarding your medical condition, income information, or any other pertinent information.
Step 4: After submitting your application, the website will display your return number and links to a medical certification form and a cover letter/checklist that you need to print and sign. Once you have completed these forms and gathered the necessary accompanying documentation, please submit them to your local Social Security office.
Application processing times can vary, but it can take between 6 and 8 months to receive a decision after your initial SSDI application.
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If you notice that any of the information on this guide needs updating or clarification, do not hesitate to contact us at bmorebenefits@gmail.com.
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