Disability Insurance Benefits
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Disability Insurance Benefits are part of the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. SSDI is a federal program that provides financial assistance to people who have a disability and have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes.
To qualify for SSDI, a person must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have earned enough "work credits." The number of credits required depends on the age of the applicant when they become disabled. Generally, a person needs 40 credits, with 20 of those credits earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits (e.g., 6 credits if disabled at age 24).
The person must have a disability that meets the SSA’s definition, which means the condition must be severe, expected to last at least one year or result in death, and prevent the person from performing any substantial gainful activity (SGA). The condition must be long-term, typically lasting for at least 12 months or expected to result in death.
The amount of SSDI benefits a person can receive is based on their average lifetime earnings. The SSA calculates the benefit amount using the applicant’s "primary insurance amount" (PIA), which is determined based on their work history and earnings. SSDI payments are typically higher than Supplemental Security Income (SSI) but vary based on the individual’s past earnings.
SSDI benefits continue as long as the recipient remains disabled, though the SSA periodically reviews the person's case to determine if they are still eligible. After receiving SSDI for two years, beneficiaries become eligible for Medicare, which provides health insurance coverage.
In some cases, family members of the SSDI beneficiary may also be eligible for benefits. This includes spouses (particularly if they are caring for dependent children) and children who are under 18 or 19 if they are still in high school.
Milton English & Whitten assists disabled individuals at any stage in the disability claims process. You can contact Will Milton English and his team if you are considering applying for disability or if your claim has been denied previously. Our Charleston disability attorneys work with these cases at all levels, including federal District Court appeals after you’ve been turned down following a hearing before an administrative law judge. Find out how Will Milton English, an experienced disability lawyer in Charleston and his staff can help you today by calling (843) 881-1399, sending an email to info@miltonwhitten.com or clicking here!
