Are you or someone you know facing serious health challenges that make it hard to work? SSDI might be here to help! It’s a program that offers financial support to people with certain health conditions. A lot of people assume the condition they have may not qualify for this assistance opportunity. However, you may be in for a pleasant surprise to find out that you don’t need to suffer without any support. Your condition may be able to bring in up to $3,822!
SSDI is Providing Thousands of Dollars to People with Certain Conditions
Think of SSDI as a safety net for individuals sidelined by severe health issues, preventing them from holding down a job. There are two main checkboxes that need to be ticked to be in the SSDI club. First up, your past employment should’ve contributed a qualifying amount to Social Security. Next, you need to be dealing with a health challenge that’s expected to last for a minimum of a year. You may be thinking that the financial situation makes a difference here but it doesn’t! Regardless of the amount of money you have, if your condition meets certain criteria, you can qualify for this program.
You Probably Know Someone with a Qualifying Condition
Many individuals might think their health issues aren’t severe enough, simply because they’re unfamiliar with how the Social Security Administration (SSA) defines an eligible condition. However, there’s a wide range of conditions that fit the bill. Remember, it’s how severe the condition is, not necessarily the condition itself! Here are a few familiar ones:
- Anxiety
- Blood sugar issues (Diabetes)
- ADHD
- Challenges in hearing
- Addiction
- Periods of deep sadness (Depression)
- Autism spectrum conditions
- Chronic joint issues
But here’s the catch. It’s not just about having one of these conditions, it’s about how bad they are. Does your condition get in the way with routine activities? Like, say, picking up items, staying upright, moving around, or recalling basic tasks? And does it seem like this problem will last for over a year? If so, SSDI might just be in your corner.
Recipients Can Get up to $3,822 per Month
As of 2024, the maximum SSDI payout is $3,822 monthly, but the average is closer to $1,537. The amount someone receives is based on their primary insurance amount (PIA), calculated from their lifetime earnings and contributions to Social Security. To maximize SSDI benefits, individuals should:
- Keep tabs on Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA)
- Ensure accurate earnings records
- Work for at least 35 years
- Wait until the full retirement age of 67
- Consider spousal and survivor benefits
- Get help from a Disability attorney
What is SSI?
When learning about SSDI, you may have seen another program that can help those with a health condition. This program is known as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and can help a variety of people in need. SSI is a tax-funded program aimed at supporting low-income individuals who are elderly, blind, or disabled, focusing on their income and needs rather than work history. The key similarity here between SSDI and SSI is the disability qualifications. The amount you get from SSI depends on two things: a set rate by the government and what you earn. The set rate is the most money you can get each month, and it can change every year to match the cost of living. In 2024, this rate is $943 a month for one person and $1,415 for couples. But remember, these numbers can change yearly.
How to Apply for Disability Benefits?
The application process for disability benefits is pretty straightforward:
- Collect all the info and papers you need. There’s a checklist you can use to help.
- Fill out and send in your form.
- The SSA will check if you meet the basic rules for getting disability help and see if you worked enough to qualify.
- Then, your form goes to a state office that decides if you’re disabled.
- This office will decide if you can get the benefits.
Keep in mind that it can take a few months to hear back. Once they do reach back out, the SSA may ask you for more papers or info. Once they have a decision, they will mail you a letter with details about their decision. You may be able to see how your application is doing online or by calling. If you don’t agree with our decision, you can ask the SSA to look at it again. Keep in mind, you have 60 days to do this!
Bottom Line
In a nutshell, if you or someone close to you is battling health challenges that make working difficult, there’s hope and help available. SSDI is a program that may be able to help provide up to $3,822 per month. Besides this lifeline there is SSI which can also help those with a qualifying health condition. That’s because the disability criteria for both programs is the same! It’s important to remember that many common conditions might qualify you for these benefits. The process to apply is straightforward, but patience is key, as it might take some time to hear back. If you think you might qualify, don’t hesitate to gather your information and take that step. Every bit of support can make a difference in navigating life’s challenges!