Why SSDI Is So Important

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is an important government benefit that provides vital benefits to workers who can no longer support themselves due to a medical impairment that is expected to last longer than one year or result in death.

More than 7 million people receive Social Security disability benefits. Anyone of any age can qualify and many need these benefits before they retire. Statistics show that a young person starting a career today has a 1 in 3 chance of dying or qualifying for SSDI before reaching Social Security’s full retirement age.

The risk of disability increases as a person gets older. People are more than twice as likely to receive SSDI at age 50 as at 40 — and more than twice as likely at age 60 as at 50. This is due to several factors. First, illnesses such as stroke or dementia are more common at older ages. There are also degenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis and ALS that can worsen over time. Another thing to consider is that physically demanding jobs cause a person’s body to break down over time.

SSDI enrollment peaked in the 1990s through the early 2010s. Today it is declining. Since 2014, the number of beneficiaries has fallen. From 2010 to 2023, SSDI applications fell by 35%. A large reason for this was when COVID closures of SSA field offices made it more difficult for people to access SSDI benefits.

To receive SSDI benefits, a person must have worked for at least one-fourth of their adult life and five of the last 10 years. There is a five-month waiting period for SSDI, but Supplemental Security Income may be available for those with little or no income.

SSDI beneficiaries are mostly older. The typical SSDI beneficiary is in their 50s, with more than 75% over the age of 50. More than 40% are 60 or older.

Musculoskeletal conditions like osteoarthritis and scoliosis are the leading cause of disability among beneficiaries over the age of 50. Severe mental disorders, like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are the leading cause of disability among beneficiaries under the age of 50.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) denies applicants who are technically disqualified because they haven’t worked long enough. The rest of the applications are sent to state disability determination services for medical evaluation. Applicants who are denied can appeal to an administrative law judge at SSA. Roughly 44% of people who get an initial denial pursue an appeal.

Learn More About Social Security Disability Benefits

SSDI is important for those who become disabled and cannot pay their bills. Anyone of any age can suddenly become unable to work.

Don’t lose out on these important benefits. Get help with your application from a White Plains Social Security Disability lawyer from The Law Office of Michael Lawrence Varon. Our clients are a top priority. Schedule a consultation today by calling (914) 228-1770 or filling out the online form.

Source:

cbpp.org/research/social-security/social-security-disability-insurance-0