If you are wondering what Social Security Program you should apply for, or if there is assistance if you have not worked enough to qualify for Social Security Disability (SSDI), here is the run-down on what Uncle Sam has to offer.
As if life was not complicated enough, disability adds an entire other dimension to complications! Then in the confusion of governmental acronyms are two programs that Social Security administers for which disabled individuals are eligible to apply for benefits: SSDI, Social Security Disability Insurance and SSI, Supplemental Security Income.
Each program has specific criteria for receipt of benefits, but the recipient must first meet the definition of being disabled. The specific definition of disability for social security is strict and based on one’s ability to work. There are five ‘steps’ an individual can use to determine if they should apply for social security benefits and have a chance for a successful claim. Before getting ahead of ourselves, however, let’s look at the difference between the two programs.
SSDI – SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE. This is an insurance program paid for by the taxes of workers. It is paid to you and qualified family members, but one must have paid in to the program for a certain period of time prior to collecting benefits. This time period is called the qualified quarters of work or duration of work test. (http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10029.html) The amount of benefit is typically based on the amount of your reported earnings throughout your working career. A general rule if you have worked 50% or more of the last 10 years you should qualify.
To learn more, I recommend you complete my FREE SSDI mini course so you can maximize your chances of winning.
Helping YOU Win Disability Income!
Brian Therrien
