Who Can Get Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB)?
If you have been disabled by an injury or illness, and cannot work and earn a living, you can apply for Social Security disability benefits. This federal program is available to anyone who has worked and paid Social Security payroll taxes. The Social Security Administration (SSA) determines your eligibility for the program after you file the application.
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Age and Residency
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You must be at least 18 years of age to apply for disability benefits; you must also be a citizen or legal resident. If you are younger than 18, you may apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, however this program is means-tested. SSA strictly limits household income and resources for SSI benefits. You may also apply as late as your full retirement age, set by Social Security and varying by date of birth.
Work Credits
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You must have a minimum number of work credits to obtain Social Security disability benefits. A work credit is earned by paying Social Security taxes on $1,120 of gross income; you may earn up to four credits each year. If you are between the ages of 18 and 23, you need six credits between your 18th birthday and the date you became disabled. From age 24 to 31, you need to have worked half the time between age 21 and the beginning of your disability. If you are older than 31, you need a set number of credits, starting at 20 credits at the age of 32 and gradually rising to 40 credits at age 62.
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Duration of Work
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SSA also uses a duration of work test. In addition to the work credits earned, you must have worked a minimum number of years, a number that gradually rises with your age. After age 31, you need to have worked five out of the 10 years before your disability. Before 24, you need to have worked 1-1/2 years in the three years before your disability, and between 24 and 30 you need to have worked half the time between your 21st birthday and the time you became disabled.
Medical Disability
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SSA will evaluate your claim and your medical records to make a determination on your application for disability. The agency must find that your disability prevents you from earning a living at your past relevant work, and also that it prevents you from taking any other available, gainful employment. If your application is denied, you may appeal it; a second denial earns you the right to apply for a hearing before an administrative law judge.
Determining Your Eligibility
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Each year, you will receive a Benefit Statement from Social Security that will explain your eligibility for disability as well as the amount of monthly benefits the agency will pay, should you be found disabled. You can request a Benefit Statement by calling the agency's toll-free number at 800-772-1213, going online to the SSA website (see Resources) or visiting a Social Security office.
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References
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