Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or “Disability” provides monthly payments to people who have a disability that stops or limits their ability to work.  You are entitled to this benefit because you pay for it when you pay your Social Security Tax which is automatically deducted from your paycheck.  Even if you’re receiving VA disability pay you are still entitled to this benefit as a disabled veteran.  Your payment amount is based on your work history before your disability began.

The qualification for SSDI is not determined based on a percentage like VA disability is.  It is just based on whether or not you have the disability.  You have to work 5 of the last 10 years to qualify for this benefit.

You can still work and earn social security disability as long as you’re not earning above $1,500 per month.

Family members can also get benefits while you’re on social security disability.

You apply for social security disability online.  Unlike submitting for VA disability, you do not have to gather your medical records.  When you apply online the Social Security Administration will request those records directly from your doctor’s office.  When you apply online you will be required to identify the illness you’re filing for and give the contact information of your doctors and list your prescriptions. It could take over a year to get your application processed, but if you have a 100% rating with the VA your application will be processed faster.

If you want to see what you would get from SSDI/SSI sign in to your account and scroll down to the Disability section.

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