SSDI

Short for Social Security Disability Insurance. This is one of two types of disability benefits managed and administered by the Social Security Administration.

SSDI is:

  • a disability program and based on the Social Security Administration’s disability criteria;
  • is not means-tested, meaning it does not count income to qualify;
  • and is based on the contributions from paychecks to Social Security from one’s own employment, a spouse’s employment, or a parent’s employment.

The process for applying for benefits can take months or even years, but can be done entirely online. For those who become eligible for benefits, they will qualify for Medicare after receiving 24 months of SSDI benefits. Unlike Supplemental Security Income, benefits from SSDI are not reduced from other income or resources, meaning adult recipients are free to marry without concerns over how that would affect benefits, a concern often voiced by SSI-recipients. Recipients are usually given a cost-of-living adjustment each year.

Do not confuse SSDI and SSI.

On first reference use Social Security Disability Insurance, also known as SSDI. On subsequent references, use SSDI. The <abbr> tag is:

<abbr title="Social Security Disability Insurance">SSDI</abbr>

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