Who is eligible for SSDI benefits?

In California, individuals who have a physical or mental disability that prevents them from working and which is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. In order to receive SSDI benefits, individuals must have worked enough times in the past and paid taxes into the Social Security system. This work requirement is known as being “insured,” and the amount of work is based on the amount of time worked within the past 10 years. The work requirement also depends on the age of the individual when he or she became disabled. In addition, disabled individuals must demonstrate that their disability is both severe and long-term. In order to demonstrate this, an individual typically must provide medical records to Social Security that detail the impairment. The criteria for determining a qualifying disability can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations. Lastly, the Social Security Administration will review the individual’s financial resources to ensure that the individual is eligible for SSDI benefits. This includes both earned income from wages and unearned income from investments and other sources. The financial review will look at total household income and any resources owned by the individual. In summary, individuals who have a physical or mental disability that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death and who have worked enough times to be considered “insured” may be eligible to receive SSDI benefits in California. The Social Security Administration will evaluate the individual’s medical records and financial resources before determining eligibility.

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Who is eligible for SSDI benefits?

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