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SSDI Disability Benefits are available for some disabled individuals. These SSDI disability benefits are available for people who have paid Social Security taxes and worked long enough, and have worked recent enough, before becoming “disabled” under Social Security’s definition. In other words, people must meet the earnings tests and have a disability that meets Social Security’s definition to receive SSDI disability benefits.

• Disability Definition

Social Security defines “Disability” as a medical condition that has lasted, or is expected to last at least one year, and that prevents you from engaging in any substantial gainful activity, or a medical condition that is expected to result in death. This is a very strict definition of “disability” required by federal law for SSDI disability benefits.

Social Security also has a Listing of Impairments that are considered so severe that they automatically qualify a person for SSDI disability benefits. If your medical condition is listed on the Listing of Impairments, or meets a condition on this list, then you will be considered disabled. There are Listings for many different types of impairments and conditions.

• Disability Work Credits

In general, to get SSDI disability benefits, you must meet two different earnings tests:

1. A “recent work” test based on your age at the time you became disabled, which generally requires that people have worked five out of the 10 yeas before they become disable; and

2. A “duration of work” test to show that you worked long enough under Social Security’s rules, which generally requires that you have an average of six years of work if you are between ages 30 and 60. People ages 27 and younger need 1 ½ years of work. Certain blind workers have to meet only the “duration of work” test

Types of SSDI Disability Benefits:

• Money Benefits

People who are approved for SSDI disability benefits will receive a check each month they are disabled. The amount depends on how much they have paid in Social Security taxes when they were working.

• Medical Benefits

People who are approved for SSDI disability benefits will receive Medicare automatically after they have received SSDI disability benefits disability benefits for two years. Medicare is public health insurance that will pay for medical treatment.

Why apply for SSDI Benefits?

While working, you paid taxes into Social Security for the event that you would become disabled. Many people do not consider becoming disabled; however, when it happens, it is best to recoup the money you paid into the Social Security system. It is also important that you apply for SSDI disability benefits right away after becoming disabled so that your work credits are recent.

Applying for SSA Disability by Telephone

People who wish to apply for disability benefits by phone can call 1-800-772-1213. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing can call the TTY number at 1-800-325-0778. Social Security Administration representatives are staffed from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Applying for SSA Disability in Person

People who want to apply for Social Security disability benefits in person should visit their local Social Security Administration office. The closest SSA office can be found in the government pages of your local phone book and through the Social Security’s website at www.ssa.gov. Most Minnesota Social Security offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.