What Is Social Security Disability Insurance?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for disabled people who are not able to earn on their own and are left to rely on others to get financial assistance and  basic amenities. Disability  is explained under the Federal Social Security Disability Act as an inability to participate in any significantly gainful activity due to a medically detectable physical or mental problem which can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months and may  result in death.

Most of us know about it but never imagine ourselves in a similar situation. Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. It is always prudent to be fully prepared to face all likely situations. If you are disabled or want to help a disabled person then reading about SSDI  can be useful for you.

As per the SSDI people who are disabled can qualify for social security. Under this program they can receive certain monetary benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) in case they are disabled. These benefits are awarded to either the disabled or dependents or both, depending on given situations and circumstances.

SSDI benefits are given out to people who have worked in recent years. Recent years usually refers to a period of five or ten years of work.  These conditions differ from one individual to another, for example an individual under the age of 31 years has to fulfill additional requirements if they have not been in active work for a long time.

The Social Security office will thoroughly check your medical history to ensure that you qualify for disability benefits. There is a fixed process that has to be followed and a number of documents have to be submitted along with your application.

Disability insurance can be classified into either long term or short term insurance.  Short term disability insurance is designed to cover a period of absence from work for a period up to two years, whereas the long term disability insurance or LTD is designed to cover a period of disability for up to two years until the age of retirement.

The average length of time which a person misses from work due to disability is calculated around two and a half years.

Now that you have understood its benefits it is time that you start to think seriously about social security disability insurance, because life does not give you a second chance.