The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program makes benefit payments available to disabled workers who have paid into the Social Security trust fund through FICA taxes. When you pay into Social Security, you are in effect purchasing long-term disability insurance. When you have paid enough into the program, you qualify for benefits if you become unable to work. SSDI typically pays more than SSI (Supplemental Security Income), which is a needs-based program for low-income disabled, elderly, and blind people. If you’re disabled and unable to work in the greater Los Angeles area, discuss your possible eligibility for SSDI or SSI benefits with an experienced Los Angeles Social Security disability attorney as quickly as possible.
Social Security disability benefits are not designed for workers with temporary or partial disabilities. SSDI benefits were approved by Congress with the presumption that short-term disabilities can be covered with workers’ compensation, health insurance, and other resources. Nevertheless, the number of disabled workers who apply for SSDI benefits is growing. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), more than 7.2 million disabled workers currently receive Social Security disability benefits. In 2015, a 20-year-old worker has a 3-in-10 chance of being disabled before age 65.
The SSDI program has specific requirements based on age, the number of years you have worked, and how recently you have worked. You need to prove to the SSA that you are disabled, and that’s not always easy. To learn more about the eligibility requirements and how Social Security makes disability benefits decisions, speak as quickly as possible with an experienced Los Angeles Social Security disability attorney. It can take some time to begin receiving benefits – even the best attorney can’t make the government move faster – so if you are unable to work in the Los Angeles area, make the call immediately.