Social Security Disability (SSD) is a federal program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability. To qualify for SSD benefits, an individual must meet certain criteria, including having a disability that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and having worked long enough and recently enough to be insured under the Social Security program. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is responsible for determining whether an individual meets the criteria for SSD benefits. The SSA considers a variety of factors when making this determination, including medical evidence, age, education, and work history. If an individual is approved for SSD benefits, they will receive a monthly payment based on their average lifetime earnings. In addition, individuals may be eligible for other benefits, such as Medicare and Medicaid. SSD benefits are not intended to replace all of an individual’s income, but rather to provide a basic level of financial support. It is important to note that SSD benefits are not available to everyone; individuals must meet certain criteria in order to qualify.
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. In general, you must have worked 5 out of the last 10 years before you became disabled. The amount of work you need to qualify for benefits depends on your age when you became disabled. You must also have a certain number of work credits. The number of credits you need to qualify for benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. You can earn up to four credits each year. The amount of earnings required for a credit increases each year as general wage levels rise. In 2021, you earn one credit for each $1,470 of wages or self-employment income. You can earn up to four credits each year. You need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you became disabled. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits. In addition to meeting the work requirements, you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability. Your condition must be expected to last at least one year or result in death. Social Security considers a disability to be a physical or mental condition that prevents you from doing any substantial gainful activity. Substantial gainful activity is work that involves doing significant physical or mental activities. The amount of money you can earn while doing substantial gainful activity is also considered.