Navigating the complexities of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims can be challenging, especially when you're already dealing with the physical and emotional impacts of a disability. At Freeburn Law, our experienced Social Security disability lawyers are dedicated to helping you secure the benefits you deserve. With offices in Harrisburg and across Central Pennsylvania, we are well-equipped to assist clients throughout the region.
Secure your benefits with the help of our attorneys. Contact Freeburn Law at 717-929-8277 or use our contact form today.
What is Social Security Disability Insurance?
The Social Security Administration makes Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits available to citizens who are currently disabled and unable to work due to an impairment caused by illness or injury. To qualify for SSDI, an applicant’s condition must be expected to last for more than one year or to result in their death.
Who Qualifies for SSDI?
To qualify for SSDI, an applicant must have worked long enough and paid enough in Social Security taxes to accumulate the appropriate number of work credits. The applicant must also:
- (In general) earn less than $1,470 each month
- Suffer from a qualifying disability
- Be unable to perform gainful work
According to the CDC, up to 27% of the adult population suffers from some type of disability. When you apply for SSDI benefits, the SSA follows a five-step process to evaluate each application. The evaluation asks:
- Are You Working?
- Is Your Condition Severe?
- Is Your Condition Listed?
- Can You Do Work You Did Before?
- Can You Do Other Work?
The SSA Blue Book is a guide that lists qualifying medical conditions. The guide is broken down by the effects of different conditions on certain systems or parts of the body.
Qualifying Disabilities for SSDI
To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), an individual must have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability. The SSA uses a guide known as the "Blue Book" to determine whether a condition qualifies. Here are some categories of disabilities that typically qualify:
Musculoskeletal System: Disorders such as back injuries, arthritis, and severe fractures.
Cardiovascular System: Conditions like heart disease, chronic heart failure, and vascular disease.
Respiratory System: Chronic respiratory disorders, including COPD and asthma.
Neurological Disorders: Diseases such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.
Mental Disorders: Mental health conditions including depression, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders.
Immune System Disorders: Conditions like HIV/AIDS, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Cancer: Various types of cancer, depending on the severity and stage.
The full list of qualifying conditions and detailed criteria can be found in the SSA Blue Book, which is used by the SSA to evaluate disability claims.
For more information, visit the Social Security Administration Blue Book.
Difference Between SSI and SSDI
Understanding the difference between Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is crucial for individuals seeking benefits. Both programs are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and aim to provide financial assistance to disabled individuals, but they have different eligibility requirements and funding sources.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a need-based program designed to assist individuals who are disabled, blind, or aged (65 or older) and have limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI benefits are not based on prior work history. Instead, eligibility is determined by an individual's income and assets. Funding for SSI comes from general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an insurance program that provides benefits to individuals who are disabled and have a qualifying work history, either through their own employment or a family member (such as a parent or spouse). To be eligible for SSDI, applicants must have accumulated sufficient work credits by paying Social Security taxes (FICA) and have a disability that meets the SSA's definition. SSDI is funded through payroll taxes.
Key Differences
Eligibility Criteria:
- SSI: Based on financial need; must have limited income and resources.
- SSDI: Based on work history and payroll contributions; must have sufficient work credits.
Funding Source:
- SSI: Funded by general tax revenues.
- SSDI: Funded by Social Security taxes (FICA).
Benefits:
- SSI: Provides a basic monthly benefit to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter.
- SSDI: Benefit amounts are based on an individual's earnings record.
Health Coverage:
- SSI: Eligible for Medicaid, which provides health coverage.
- SSDI: Eligible for Medicare, typically after a 24-month waiting period.
Application Process:
- SSI: Can apply online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office.
- SSDI: Can apply online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office; requires documentation of work history and medical condition.
What do I do if my SSDI claim is denied?
If your claim is initially denied, know you are not alone. Sadly, the SSA denies the majority of claims for SSDI benefits including about 65% of initial claims and around 47% of appeals. To make matters worse, an appeal can take months—or years.
Call Freeburn Law Today for a Free Consultation.
If you or a loved one has been denied Social Security Disability Benefits to which you are entitled, call Freeburn Law for your free consultation at 717-777-7777.
When you call, you’ll speak with a leading Pennsylvania Social Security Disability Lawyer for FREE. Freeburn Law will fight hard to seek the justice and the compensation you deserve when you are left unable to work due to illness or injury. There is no attorney’s fee due up front—and we only get paid after you do. With offices in Harrisburg and across Central Pennsylvania, we are prepared to take your case.
