KATS Network

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Administration

Overview:

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is administered both nationally and locally by the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSDI is a social insurance program for individuals who are blind or disabled, who are unable to work as a direct result of the disability, and who have paid into the Social Security program for approximately one-half the number of years since age 21 and who are under 65 years of age. A wage earner and his or her dependents can receive benefits if the individual is determined to be disabled based on a specific list of criteria.

Eligibility Requirements:

The SSDI payment amount is based on a worker's lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security. The payment amount may be reduced by workers compensation payments and /or public disability benefits. It is not affected by other income or resources.
Persons must have a severe mental or physical impairment (including blindness) that is verified by a physician based on lab tests, examinations, or other objective medical procedures.
The disability must have lasted or is expected to last a minimum of twelve (12) consecutive months or result in death.
The disability must prevent the person from doing his or her work or other gainful activity.
The spouse and dependent children of fully insured workers, including adult children with disabilities whose disability began prior to age 22, also are eligible for benefits upon the retirement, disability or death of a primary beneficiary.

AT Services Provided/Covered:

No AT services are provided or covered. However, after receiving disability benefits for two years, the individual will be automatically enrolled in and able to access AT services available through Medicare.

AT Devices Provided/Covered:

No AT devices are provided or covered. However, after getting disability benefits for two years, the individual will be automatically enrolled in and able to access AT devices available through Medicare.

Application Process:

Apply in person or by phone at your local Social Security office, or call (800) 772-1213 for an appointment with a Social Security representative who will help with the application. You can also apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/applyfordisability . Be prepared to provide information about:
- the medical problem(s) that prevents an individual from working and the date the individual stopped working,
- names, addresses, and phone numbers of all the doctors, hospitals and clinics visited for medical treatment (Individuals will be asked to sign forms which authorize these sources to release their medical records.),
- information on medical tests including the times and places,
- jobs for the last 15 years, including the physical and mental demands of each job,
- education, and
- current daily activities.

Contact Information:

Contact your local Social Security office or call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213. For TDD, call (800) 325-0778.

Additional Information:

Social Security publications and information are available on the Internet at http://ssa.gov .

You can access the most recent edition of the Social Security Red Book at: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook

If you are blind, the Social Security Administration has a publication in large print, Braille, and on cassette entitled "If You Are Blind, What Social Security and SSI Will Do For You". To obtain a copy in large print call (800) 772-1213. To obtain a copy in either Braille or on cassette, contact: Braille Services Unit, Room 1-H-23 Operations Building, Social Security Administration, 6401 Security Blvd., Baltimore, MD 21235 or call (410) 965-6414.

Workers with disabilities receiving SSDI benefits are eligible for coverage under Medicare - Part A. However, there is a 24-month waiting period between the month in which the worker becomes entitled to SSDI benefits and the month in which the worker becomes eligible for Medicare. Since there is a 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits, an individual may have to wait 29 months from the determination of disability until Medicare coverage begins.

Bridges & Potholes:

Bridges

Workers with disabilities receiving SSDI benefits are eligible for coverage under Medicare - Part A. However, there is a 24 month waiting period between the month in which the worker becomes entitled to SSDI benefits and the month in which the worker becomes eligible for Medicare. Since there is a 5-month waiting period for SSDI benefits, an individual may have to wait 29 months from the determination of disability until Medicare coverage begins.

Potholes

You must receive SSDI benefits for two years to be eligible to access AT devices and services through Medicaid.

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