Frequently Asked Questions about SSDI

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) FAQ

Our Social Security Disability Insurance lawyers and staff have prepared the following answers to common questions about the process of securing SSDI benefits. Contact our Help Center for more information or for a free claim evaluation.

If you been denied social security or have specific question regarding your disability claim benefits? Contact our social security lawyers to help regarding your disability benefits today!

Q: What is the chance that my SSDI claim will be denied?

Many claims are denied—in the most recent SSA data, over 60%.* Statistical studies show that your chances of winning your case improve, however, if you are represented by a Social Security lawyer.

Q: How many people file claims for SSI and SSDI benefits?

Disability may be a familiar enough concept to many people, but rarely do we think of the possibility of becoming disabled ourselves until we become ill or experience an accident. Surprisingly, though, the chances of becoming disabled are probably far greater than you imagine. It is expected that a 20-year-old worker today has a 3-in-10 chance of becoming disabled before reaching retirement age.

Q: How soon can I apply for Social Security disability benefits?

You can file for your benefits as soon as you become disabled. You must prove your disability will last at least 12 months. However you do not need to wait until you have been disabled for 12 months before you apply. If you suffer serious illness or injury and expect to be out of work for a year or more you should not delay in filing a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Call 1-800-248-1100 for help in starting your claim.

Q: What is the date of onset?

Your "date of onset" is considered the first day you are unable to work because of your disability. The date of onset may or may not be the same as the date you were diagnosed. Applicants typically use the date they last worked as the date of onset.

Q: How far back will they pay benefits if I am found disabled?

Benefits will not be retroactively paid for more than one year prior to the date of an SSI, SSDI, or Disabled Widower(s) claim. Disabled Adult Child benefits will not be paid retroactively for more than six months prior to the claim. It is important to file as soon as possible to secure maximum benefits.

If you been denied social security or have specific question regarding your disability claim benefits? Contact our social security lawyers to help regarding your disability benefits today!

Q: When will I receive my first benefit check?

For SSI, SSDI, and Disabled Widow's and Widower's Benefits, the benefits cannot begin until five months have passed after the person becomes disabled. For a Disabled Adult Child, there is no five-month waiting period before benefits begin. SSI benefits cannot be paid prior to the start of the month following the date of the claim.

Q: What is the difference between Social Security disability and SSI disability?

The Social Security Administration is responsible for two major programs that provide benefits based on disability: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a disability insurance program financed with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers, and self-employed persons. To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance the worker must earn a certain level of credits based on taxable work. SSDI disability benefits are payable to blind and disabled workers, widows, widowers, and adults disabled since childhood if they are otherwise eligible.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a need-based government assistance program. SSI disability benefits are payable to adults or children who are disabled or blind, have limited income and resources, meet the living arrangement requirements, and are otherwise eligible.

Q: How are SSDI benefits calculated?

SSDI benefits amounts are determined by a formula which takes into account your earnings record. The formula allows for yearly increases in the individual benefits in order to reflect adjustments in the cost of living. The amount of your benefits will be based on your average earnings for all of the years you have been working, not just your most recent salary.

Q: Are there other benefits for SSDI recipients?

• Medicare: An SSDI beneficiary is automatically eligible for Medicare 24 months after the onset date or date they were found to be disabled. Medicare coverage starts in the 25th month of your SSDI entitlement. SSA will automatically send you information approximately 3 months before you are eligible for Medicare.
• Food Stamps: Social Security disability recipients may be eligible for Food Stamps but must file a separate Food Stamp Program application.

Q: How does Social Security determine if I am disabled?

Under Social Security rules a qualifying disability is a total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability.

Disability under Social Security is your inability to do the work that you did before your disability began and the SSA determines that you cannot adjust to other work because of your disability. Your disability must also last or be expected to last for at least one year or to result in death.

Q: How long does it take the Social Security Administration to make a decision?

In most cases, Social Security makes the first decision within five months after you file for disability benefits. If you are denied SSI or SSDI at the initial application stage and appeal the decision by request for a hearing, it takes an additional twelve to twenty-four months to get a final hearing decision. Our Disability Lawyers have excellent win rates and waiting periods in SSDI appeals.

If you been denied social security or have specific question regarding your disability claim benefits? Contact our social security lawyers to help regarding your disability benefits today!

Q: If I am approved for SSDI benefits, how much will I receive?

• For Social Security Disability benefits the amount you receive is based upon how much you have worked and earned during your previous years of employment.
• For disabled widow's or widower's benefits, it depends upon how much the late husband or wife worked and earned.
• For disabled adult child benefits, it all depends upon how much the parent worked and earned.
• For all types of SSI benefits, there is a base amount that an individual with minimal income receives. The monthly payment varies up to the maximum federal benefit rate, which may be supplemented by the state or decreased by countable income and resources.
• Other income that an individual has reduces the amount of SSI which an individual can receive.

Every day you wait before filing your Social Security disability claim is one more day before you will be receiving payments.

If you or a friend or loved one needs to file a claim for social security disability, please use the Contact Request Form and one of our representatives will call or e-mail you today. Or call us directly at 800-248-1100.