Are you disabled or unable to work, and do you earn less than $800 a month? If yes, you may be eligible to receive Social Security Benefits.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability: SSDI vs. SSI Disability

There are two types of Social Security Benefits, SSI and SSDI.

SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income

SSI is a federal income supplement program that is designed to help aged (individuals ages 65 and older), blind, and disabled people who have little or no income.

SSDI stands for Social Security Disability Insurance

SSDI is a federal insurance program that provides benefits persons who are unable to work due to a disability.

Eligibility for Social Security Benefits:
The Social Security Administration has guidelines regarding who is eligible for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance). A Social Security Disability lawyer can help individuals understand and apply for SSI or SSDI benefits.

To determine if you are eligible for Social Security benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at 5 criteria.

1. Earnings. SSDI was established in 1954 to provide income to individuals who are unable to work, and thus unable to support themselves and their families financially. Similarly, SSI was established in 1974 to provide a monthly income to individuals based on need. While SSDI provides benefits for disabled individuals, SSI provides benefits for aged, blind or disabled individuals.

In summary, Social Security provides income to individuals in need.

In order to be eligible for Social Security Benefits, you cannot have earned or now be earning an average of $860 per month or more during the first 12 months of your disability.

2. Inability to Work. To be eligible for Social Security Benefits, your disability and/or your condition must prevent you from performing work-related activities. If your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year or to result in death, the SSA will also consider you disabled.

3. Qualifying Disability. To be considered disabled by the SSA and eligible for SSDI, your disability must be on their list of qualifying medical conditions.

For a complete list of qualifying disabilities, you can go to the Social Security Administration’s website. If your medical condition is not listed by the SSA, you may still qualify for SSI or SSDI.

4. Inability to Perform Previous Work and Inability to Adjust to Other Work. If you cannot do work that that you did before and the Social Security Administration has decided that you cannot adjust to other work because your medical condition(s), the SSA will consider you disabled.

5. Insurance. To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the SSA must consider you insured. If you have worked five of the last ten years, you are most likely insured. Note: This time requirement is less for younger applicants. In general, applicants for SSDI who have been employed will be insured.

If you are not insured, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI Disability) if your income is below a certain amount.

Factors that May Affect Your Social Security Benefits

Many factors may affect your Social Security benefits. Examples include the severity of your disability, how long you have worked, your age and your monthly income before you became disabled.

What Steps Do I Need to Take to Get Social Security Benefits?

Applying for Social Security Benefits can be a lengthy process. To improve your chances of receiving Social Security Disability benefits, your disability must be supported by medical evidence.

Below is a list of information the SSA may request to help determine if you are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance.

Records Needed to Help Win Your Case for Disability:
- The names, addresses and phone numbers of the doctors, hospitals and clinics that took care of you and the dates of your visits
- Medical records from your doctors, therapists, hospitals and clinics
- Laboratory and test results

When you apply for Social Security benefits, you will need the following information:
- A certified copy of your birth certificate
- Your W-2 form (if you worked)
- Workers’ compensation information
- The Social Security number(s) for your spouse and children

When applying for Social Security benefits, consider working with a Social Security attorney, lawyer or advocate. Representation can increase your chances of winning your case and maximize the benefits due to you by the SSA.