SSDI and Immigration
Non-citizens of the United States who are legal aliens may be eligible to receive SSDI benefits. They must have a valid Social Security number and they must have worked at jobs that allowed them to pay taxes into the Social Security system. They must also have a medical condition that is ruled a disability. The SSA website has a complete list of disabilities called the Listing of Impairments. If your condition is not listed, that does not automatically disqualify you from receiving SSDI, but it might make it more difficult.
Non-citizens who are over the age of 18 should apply for an immigrant visa with the U.S. Department of State and a social security number at the same time. Types of situations that will likely be approved for immigration status include: student, teacher, farmworker, businessperson, refugee, or a temporary resident of the United States. The U.S. has agreements with several countries to provide asylum to displaced citizens with ties to the United States. Immigrants who believe they are disabled and would qualify for SSDI should contact the SSA for help with their application. If the English language is a barrier, translaters are available from the SSA who speak a variety of different languages.