Who Qualifies for SSDI?
The SSDI program operates much like other insurance programs. In order to receive benefits, you must have paid your “premiums” and be insured for it. For Social Security disability, your paycheck deductions are the premiums. (If you have not been working long enough and have a lack of assets and household income, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)). If you have contributed to Social Security for long enough, the next step is determining if you are disabled. Only the most serious physical and mental disabilities qualify for SSDI. For example, a person with uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes, serious depression or schizophrenia may qualify. Your current financial status does not play a role in SSDI. As long as you are unable to work because of a disability, you may qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
