What Is Social Security Disability?

The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or DIB) program is part of the broader Social Security system administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Most people are familiar with the retirement benefits this program provides—when a person reaches retirement age, they can automatically receive Retirement Insurance Benefits. However, the program also provides disability benefits for workers who become disabled before reaching full retirement age, provided they meet certain eligibility requirements.

To qualify for SSDI, most individuals must:

• Have worked prior to becoming disabled

• Earned a minimum number of work credits during their working life

• Earned enough credits in the years immediately before the disability began

Work credits are earned by paying Social Security taxes on wages or self-employment income. For individuals aged 30 or older, a general guideline is that they need five “good” years of earnings within the last ten years before the onset of disability.

In some situations, a person may qualify for benefits based on the work record of a family member, even if they have not worked themselves. These are often called auxiliary or survivor benefits. For example, a surviving spouse or dependent children may be eligible. In certain cases, an adult child who became disabled before age 22 and remains unmarried may also qualify for benefits on a parent’s Social Security record.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for SSDI benefits, contact Jarvis & Modun for a free consultation.