An Overview of Social Security Disability Insurance

Thinking About SSDI? Learn More About These Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance is often wrongly associated with welfare (and thusly its stigma), but is actually a federal insurance program that is funded by its recipients' payroll FICA taxes.

SSDI / Social Security Disability Insurance is managed by the Social Security Administration. Unlike its common reputation, it is not an easily attained government. SSDI is provided to the tax paying working citizens when they meet a physical or mental condition that disables them from continuing to work. From their payroll taxes they are "insured" and can receive SSDI benefits after the application process is successfully completed and their application is accepted.

These benefits are promised until the condition improves, even if the condition never improves.

The benefits are monetarily determined by the resource availability and financial need of the recipient and then provided via direct deposit or check.

When the cost of living changes for a recipient, the Social Security Administration will automatically allot for these adjustments.

Another automatic benefit offers convenience to aging recipients. When a recipient of monthly SSDI payments turns 65, their payments are automatically shifted to the Social Security retirement funds, at amounts similar to there SSDI.

Applicants must prove their disabilities thoroughly in a lengthy process. Mental and physical conditions are both allowed pending approval with the standards of the definition of disabilities.

Turnaround time for an application averages 90 to 120 days. Appeals and reviews of cases are regular for the system.

If you are disabled, have worked in five of the past ten years, and have a condition that meets the criteria of expected fatal or longer than 12 months, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance if you are under the age of 65. Once you reach the age limit, you will be switched over to your monthly retirement income from the Social Security Administration in a no hassle, easy process.