Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program run by the federal government which provides aid to people who have a permanent disability (like an illness, injury or condition) that limits their ability to be gainfully employed.
People who qualify for SSDI receive monthly payments to help cover basic life expenses.
The program is funded by, and controlled through, the Social Security Administration (SSA) but is different from Social Security retirement benefits. To receive SSDI, you must be under the mandatory retirement age. If you pass retirement age while receiving SSDI, there wouldn't be a change to your monthly benefits, but you'd transfer over to Social Security retirement benefits instead of disability benefits.
You have to meet the definition of being disabled by the Social Security Administration. They review your application and decide if they consider you to be disabled — a tricky thing to prove sometimes, and a big factor in why many people get denied the first time around.
You also have to meet basic work credit standards to qualify for SSDI. The number of work credits you need to be eligible for SSDI changes based, among other things, on a person’s age.
If you've been denied on your first application, an experienced Social Security lawyer can help you file an appeal with the SSA. There's a time limit on how long you have to appeal, so don't wait. Call us today at 816-842-7100 to speak with an attorney that will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Or you can click here to email us and schedule your free consultation.