Social Security: Explained

Dealing with Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be anything but an effortless process. Unfortunately, the current social security system is constructed in a way that is not consistently cooperative and considerate, which regularly causes an ongoing battle for families all over to simply receive the benefits that they deserve. In some cases, it can be difficult to even recognize what you qualify for, or how exactly social security is calculated in the first place. So what are SSDI benefits? What do you qualify for? 

It’s important to note that there is a difference between SSI (Supplemental security income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance). Both programs are administered by the SSA (Social Security Administration), yet differ when it comes to financial requirements and qualifications.

SSI bases its programs off of financial need and is usually eligible for Children, the blind, Elderly, or anyone else who may be disabled and therefore requires financial assistance. To qualify for SSI, you must be on a very limited income, and of course, meet the federal definition of being disabled.

SSDI on the other hand is a program that is made for those who are disabled and are younger than 65, while also having the required “work credits”. This means that the SSDI will support you financially if you have already worked for a certain number of years, whether that be through your own job, or through a 2nd party family member like a parent or spouse. (DisabilitySecrets)

When it comes to SSDI, you need to be considered “disabled” and possess a disability that prevents you from working full-time hours and earning a monthly income. Of course, just because you are unable to actively pursue daily work at your present job, SSA could determine that you are not considered disabled, by their federal standards. Typically to qualify, the disability should also last, or has lasted for 12 months. After 2 years of claiming SSDI, you can be qualified for Medicare. (NCOA)

As we mentioned previously, claiming any type of Social Security can be a challenge, and the process is not always a walk in the park. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you or someone you know is in need of receiving benefits that are deserved, we want to help. Contact us here at Franco Firm, so we can ease the stress of this process. Call (813) 872-0929, or email us at rvelez@FrancoFirm.com.