Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial support to individuals who meet the strict definition of disabled under the Social Security Act. An individual is considered disabled based on the timeline specifics of their disability and how it affects their ability to work. Specifically, an individual must have a severe medical condition that has either lasted a year, is expected to last at least a year, or is expected to result in death. The particular medical condition(s) the individual suffers from must prevent them from doing their old jobs and from transitioning into new lines of work.

If an individual meets the criteria of being disabled under the Social Security Act, they must also meet other past work qualifications to receive benefits from SSDI. Specifics vary, but in general, individuals must have worked for an extended period of time and paid Social Security taxes on their earnings while they were working if they wish to receive benefits.

If eligible, SSDI may also provide coverage to certain members of a patient’s family. Each family member is potentially eligible to receive up to 50% of the eligible individual’s monthly stipend. Depending on certain factors, total family member payments are generally capped at between 150% and 180% of the eligible individual’s monthly stipend.