Last Updated: 3/13/2025
If you or a loved one is struggling with a disabling condition that limits or prevents you from working, you may have come across the term Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). But what exactly is SSDI, and how can it provide the support you need?
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Its purpose is to provide financial support to individuals who are unable to work due to a severe, long-term disability, illness or injury. This program is available to workers who have contributed to the Social Security system through payroll taxes (FICA) and meet specific medical criteria.
For individuals with significant physical or mental impairments, SSDI serves as a vital lifeline, offering financial assistance if you are unable to work due to their disability. In this article, we’ll explore what SSDI is, who qualifies for it and the broader benefits that come with this essential program. We’ll also explain why having a trusted representative like Allsup can make a critical difference in getting you your benefits.
How Is SSDI Different From Other Benefits?
While SSDI provides benefits to those who have worked and paid into Social Security, other programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are based solely on financial need. SSDI is also distinct from veterans' benefits, which are specific to individuals who served in the armed forces and have injuries or disabilities that are service connected. Understanding the differences between these programs can be confusing, but Allsup is here to guide you through the process and help determine which benefits you’re eligible for.
How Does SSDI Work?
The SSDI process can be complex, with multiple steps and potential roadblocks along the way. Here’s a breakdown of the process, from application to appeal.
What Is The Application Process?
The initial application process involves submitting detailed information about your medical condition, work history and supporting documentation. This includes medical records, doctors' statements and any other evidence showing that your disability prevents you from working. It can take eight to 10 months to get a decision. Unfortunately, the majority of SSDI applications are denied at the initial stage due to incomplete information or missing evidence.
And, many attorneys don’t help at this stage. They help at the hearing level, and by then, you’ve been denied your benefits twice.
That’s why it’s important to have a trusted representative like Allsup on your side. We’ll help you right from the initial application. Allsup helps more claimants get approved at the application level than any other SSDI representative nationwide. In our more than 40 years of business, our relentless advocates have helped over 400,000 people just like you receive SSDI benefits. You could be next.
What Is The Appeals Process?
If your initial application is denied, you still have several chances to secure your benefits. The appeals process consists of several levels:
- Reconsideration: This is the first appeal for SSDI. If your initial application is denied, you must file for reconsideration within 60 days. During reconsideration, someone who was not involved in the initial decision reviews your application. Your initial claim, along with any new information you submit, will be reviewed to see if your claim actually should have been approved. Reconsiderations currently take between eight and 10 months for a decision.
- Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an ALJ, where you may present new evidence. You have 60 days from the date of your reconsideration decision to request a hearing. The ALJmay ask other witnesses such as a medical or vocational expert to attend the hearingand provide testimony. If you have an Allsup representative, they will attend the hearing with you, counsel you on how to answer the judge, and be sure you get a fair hearing. Decisions typically take nine to 18 months.
- Appeals Council Review: If the ALJ denies your claim, you may request a review from the SSA Appeals Council. These decisions typically take eight to 24 months.
- Federal Court: As a final step, you can file a lawsuit in federal court if all other appeals are exhausted. You can expect to wait 10 to 24 months for a decision.
Allsup has extensive experience navigating the SSDI appeals process and can greatly improve your chances of success by ensuring your application is accurate, complete, and well-supported with evidence.
What Are The Other Benefits of SSDI?
SSDI offers more than just a monthly check. Here are eight additional benefits to consider:
- Medicare Eligibility – This medical, hospital and prescription drug coverage begins 24 months after your SSDI benefits start.
- COBRA Extension – Your COBRA benefits coverage could be extended an additional 11 months.
- LTD Security – Your private long-term disability (LTD) insurance most likely requires you to apply for SSDI. Applying will protect your LTD benefits.
- Retirement Benefits – SSDI approval triggers a Social Security earnings record freeze which could raise your retirement income.
- Dependents’ Benefits – Approval for SSDI can activate benefits for children under age 18. These benefits can add up to 50% more income to your monthly payments.
- Cost-of-Living Adjustment – Each year, an automatic cost-of-living increase is applied to benefits based on consumer prices, which means you could have more monthly income.
- Tax Relief – Some portion of your SSDI benefit payments may not be taxable.
- Return to Work – There are incentives available to support returning to work, including free help from a Social Security-authorized Employment Network, benefits protection for a trial period and more.
