Health Care Insurance & Financial Resources

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

What?
SSDI provides monthly cash payments based on the individuals earning record, not financial need. This earning record is on file at the Social Security Administration (SSA), and an individual might be eligible if he or she has worked long enough to earn an adequate amount of work credits. However, someone does not necessarily need to have a work record to be eligible to receive SSDI. Once you are approved for SSDI benefits, you can receive up to one years worth of payments for time prior to the application starting at the time of the official disability.
What if my SSDI application is denied? About 60% of all SSDI applications are denied the first time. If your application is denied for medical reasons, you can submit the Appeal Request and Appeal Disability Report online. This asks you for updated information about your medical condition and any treatment, tests, or doctor visits since the decision was made. If the denial was for nonmedical reasons, contact your local Social Security Office to request the review by calling 1-800-772-1213. You may want to contact an advocacy organization or attorney to help with the appeal process. The MN Disability Law Center and Arc are good places to start.

Who?
A Disabled Adult Child (DAC), age 18 or older, who became disabled prior to age 22 might be able to receive SSDI if they have an adoptive or biological parent who retires, becomes disabled or dies. It is not necessary that the adult child ever worked because benefits are paid based on the parents earning record. Determining if your child qualifies for SSDI can be a complicated process. If you are not certain whether or not your child would qualify, contact your local social security office.

How?
Your eligibility for SSDI will be determined by the SSA. To apply, call toll free 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and schedule an appointment with a representative to fill out the paperwork. Applications are also available online. This determination will consider work history, current earnings, and age of the applicant.

Where?
Visit the Social Security website for more information.