SSDI – Social Security Disability Insurance benefits

1 SSDI Social Security Disability Insurance benefits 2016 fact sheet on Eligibility for benefits Social Security pays Disability benefits to people who cannot work due to a medical condi- tion. Social Security pays Disability benefits to The Definition of Disability for those over age 18. the inability to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically people who cannot determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or work due to a medical which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12. months.. condition. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits the basic requirements are: You should apply for Must have worked enough to qualify for insured status or be the dependent of an insured worker Disability benefits as Must meet medical eligibility requirement for SSA.

2 Soon as you become Can be working but cannot be earning over $1,130 per month in 2016. disabled. It can take a long time to process Types of Information Needed to File for Disability benefits Summary of work history an application for Contact records for medical personnel, facilities where treated and dates of Disability benefits treatment (three to five months) Vocational rehabilitation records and reports pertaining to non-physician healthcare Name and contact information of individual who may know about your condi- tion and how it affects your daily living skills Copies of legal documents (birth, marriage, divorce, death, Social Security Number card, etc.). When and How to apply for Disability benefits You should apply for Disability benefits as soon as you become disabled. It can take a long time to process an application for Disability benefits (three to five months).

3 To apply for Disability benefits , you will need to complete an application for Social Security benefits and the Disability Report. You can complete the Disability Report at You also can print the Disability Report, complete it and return it to your local Social Security office. For more information about In addition to the basic application for Disability benefits , there are other forms you will need filing for Disability benefits to fill out. One form collects information about your medical condition and how it affects Contact the Social Security your ability to work. Other forms give doctors, hospitals and other health care professionals who have treated you permission to send us information about your medical condition. Administration at: or This fact sheet gives you basic information on SSDI benefits and is not intended to answer all your questions.

4 For specific information about your case, you should talk with a Social 1-800-772-1213 Security Representative. GSIL 2015. The information contained in this fact sheet has been reviewed by the Social Security Administration, Office of Employment Support Programs for Accuracy. GSIL is solely responsible for the content in this fact sheet .