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In the United States of America, the Social Security Administration administers several programs to provide financial and other assistance to the disabled. For additional detailed discussions of the disability programs in the United States, see Social Security (United States).

Contents 1 Disclaimer 2 What is SSDI? 3 How does someone qualify for SSDI? 4 What are the specific disability requirements to qualify for SSDI? 5 How long does an application take & what are the steps? 6 What are the benefits of SSDI over Long Term Disability Insurance? 7 See also 8 External links 9 Further reading

The determination of disability at the Social Security Administration involves a complex mixture of legal, medical, employment, and vocational information. The adjudication and implementation of disability benefits requires vast amounts of agency resources and staff within a complex bureaucracy. Similarly, there is a vast body of regulations, rulings, and case law regarding social security disability. As a result, information provided in a short article such as this should not be relied upon for any important purpose. The Social Security Administration (SSA) advises that interested parties contact the Social Security Administration for up-to-date and accurate information. Similarly, due to the complexity of the processes and determinations made by the Social Security Administration, organizations such as the American Bar Association, Allsup Inc. and NOSSCR advise that those involved in application for benefits or adjudication seek competent counsel.

Social Security Disability Insurance is a payroll tax-funded, federal insurance program. It is designed to provide income to people unable to work because of a disability until their condition improves and guarantees income if their condition does not improve. It is not a handout or welfare. It has been compared to auto or home insurance. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is also frequently referred to as "DIB" (Disability Insurance Benefits), and "Title II" or "Title 2" benefits (named for the chapter title of the governing section of Social Security Act).

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), a person qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if they have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from engaging in any 'substantial gainful work', and the condition is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and they are under the age of 65 and have worked 5 out of the last 10 years. Medical proof is needed to show their inability to work. They must also meet a strict SSA medical listing for their condition.

You can view a list of Social Security disability impairment criteria, broken down by specific conditions, on the Social Security Administration's website.[1]

There is no standard on how long an application takes. Application time varies depending on what level of the process the award is made. Here is a breakdown of average times as of Spring 2006.

Level 1 - Initial Application: 1-12 months Level 2 - Reconsideration Level: 1-12 months Level 3 - Hearing Level: 9-30 months Level 4 - Appeals Council: 1-15 months Level 5 - Federal District Court: 12-36 months

There have been reports of claims taking years, including a case in Pennsylvania that was awarded in early 2006 after 14 years.

Beginning in August 2006 the SSA will implement changes on a trial basis to the application process in the six-state New England region in an attempt to speed up the application process. No other regions will be immediately effected.

Increased Monthly Income: Social Security provides a regular monthly payment that supplements any current disability benefits already received. It also provides annual cost of living increases. A portion of these benefits may be tax free.

Medical Benefits: Regardless of a person's age, after receiving SSDI benefits for 24 months, they are eligible for Medicare, including Part A (hospital benefits) and Part B (medical benefits).

Prescription Drug Coverage: Once a person is entitled to Medicare, they are also eligible for Medicare Part D, the new prescription drug plan.

COBRA Extension: If a person receives Social Security disability benefits, any COBRA benefits may also be extended from 18 to 29 months.

Protected Retirement Benefits: Social Security disability entitlement "freezes" Social Security earnings records during a person's period of disability. Because those years will not be counted when computing future benefits, their Social Security retirement benefits will be higher.

Dependent Benefits: If a person receives Social Security disability benefits and they have a dependent under age 18, he or she may also be eligible for benefits.

Return-to-Work Incentives: Social Security will provide a person opportunities to return to work while still paying them disability benefits.

• Social Security Administration
• Jo Anne B. Barnhart Commissioner Social Security Administration

• SSA's SSDI Web Site
• SSA's SSDI Eligibility Guidelines
• SSA Unveils New SSDI Determination Process

• AT Wiki on Assistivetech.net
• Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Workplace Accommodations
• Social Security Disability Information by InfoMin
• Social Security Disability Medicare and Medicaid Information
• Disability FAQ page
• About.com SSDI Web Chat

• Social Security Disability Advocate's Handbook, by David Traver, James Publishing, 2006, ISBN 1-58012-033-4
• Social Security Handbook, Germania Publishing, 2006.