Social Security Disability
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides more than just retirement benefits. The SSA offers two types of disability insurance to those who cannot work. They are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI is a monthly insurance payment made to those who can no longer work due to a disability. To qualify for SSDI, the worker must have a job history that includes payments into the SSA system for a specific period of time, depending upon their age.
Workers must prove that they have a disability that prevents them from working and earning a wage. SSA defines a disability as an impairment that limits or prohibits the individual’s ability to work at their former level. Impairments are usually medical in nature, either physically or mentally, and must be supported by medical records or other evidence. The SSA has an actual Listing of Impairments that thoroughly documents accepted disabilities; the list is updated frequently. Examples of impairments include: chronic heart failure (cardiovascular); asthma or cystic fibrosis (respiratory); epilepsy (neurological); and schizophrenia (mental). An applicant for disability insurance does not necessarily have to have one of the official impairments to qualify for SSDI but it might make it easier to qualify.
The process can take several months for an application to be approved or denied. If an application is denied, the applicant can appeal the decision. The appeals process begins at the initial level through the Disability Determination Services (DDS). The next level is called Reconsideration, when the applicant can request a hearing. The next level is a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge where the judge will issue a written decision. If the application is still denied, the next two steps are the Appeals Council and then finally Federal Court.
Applying for SSDI or appealing a denial can be very complicated, and it is helpful to have the help of an attorney who specializes in disability law.