SSDI is the program that most people think of as "disability". SSDI stands for Social Security Disability Insurance, and yes, it is an insurance policy.
Social Security’s Disability Insurance policy is bundled together with Retirement. Many don’t realize they’re paying into this insurance policy through their Social Security payroll taxes. Unlike other insurance policies, like car insurance or life insurance, you don’t have to sign up.
Most likely, you've contributed plenty to your Disability Insurance Policy, and you have earned and deserve access to those benefits.
No matter where you are in the SSDI process—whether you’re seeking guidance on your initial application or you’ve been navigating appeals for years—we're here to help. If you're looking to avoid a lengthy battle, our legal guidance can increase your chances of success from the start.
First, we offer Free Consultations, giving you the opportunity to ask questions without any obligation. We value transparency and honesty. Our attorneys will assess your case with honesty, help you to understand their assessment and provide you with realistic expectations.
Additionally, there are no upfront costs. Attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay us if/when you win. Most clients never pay $1 out of pocket because SSA will pay us our fee directly, 25% of the back benefits they owe you.
Crucially, a skilled lawyer will ensure all necessary medical records are gathered, often going beyond what Social Security requests, and secure key medical opinions to support your claim.
This all adds up to the most important point: an experienced disability attorney can significantly improve your chances of getting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Statistically, those with legal representation are two to three times more likely to win their case, particularly at the hearing level.
Beyond the legal process, having an attorney reduces the stress of navigating the complex paperwork, communications, and long wait times. An experienced lawyer will guide you through each step and ensure appeals are filed timely.
Lastly, a knowledgeable disability attorney understands the nuances of the hearing process, including how to cross-examine expert witnesses and tailor arguments to the preferences of Administrative Law Judges (ALJs). At Balin Law, we leverage decades of experience to increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome, offering support from application through appeals.
Still Considerting Options?
Still working but it's becoming too painful? Possibly even dangerous? Worried your attendance or performance will result in termination?
You need a plan and Balin Law is here to help guide you through it.
If you're in-need of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, your life has already been turned upside-down by a serious medical condition. Filing an SSDI claim can be time-consuming, requires attention to detail, follow-through and a fair amount of administrative work. Your condition and/or medication side-effects could make completing your application difficult, impossible, or just unwise.
You have enough to deal with and you should be avoiding unnecessary stressors. Because your livelihood depends on this application being approved, trying to do it yourself inevitably adds an unhealthy level of stress and anxiety.
Get the help you need and deserve so you can get your Disability Benefits sooner, and ensure you're getting the max monthly payout!
About Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
The Social Security Disability Insurance (“SSDI”) program pays benefits to individuals with qualifying disabilities who worked long enough, recently enough, and paid Social Security taxes. In other words, there are 2 parts to determining eligibility:
- If you are "insured" under SSDI, and
- If your disability is severe enough
The Difference Between SSDI and SSI
Note that SSDI is a separate program from "SSI", which stands for Supplemental Security Income.
SSI is a needs-based program; it is for people with limited income and resources who have a qualifying disability. The program requirements for SSI are similar to those for Food Stamps or SNAP benefits.
Both SSDI and SSI are administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and follow the same definition of disability. The SSA uses a 5-Step Sequential Evaluation to determine if someone's disability is severe enough to qualify for benefits.
Both programs use the same application form too, so everyone who applies for disability benefits also applies for SSI and vice versa.
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Determining SSDI Eligibility
Who is considered "insured" under SSDI?
To qualify for SSDI (to be "insured"), you need to have paid enough into Social Security and recently enough.
SSA determines this with “Work Credits”, aka “Social Security credits”, aka “Quarters of Coverage” (QC), aka “Quarters”. They’re called “Quarters” because you can earn up to 4 per year.
Work Credits, or Quarters of Coverage, are based on earnings rather than hours worked. The dollar amount you need to earn changes every year, just to make things extra complicated (actually because of inflation, but it feels like a mean trick). In 2024 for example, you earned 1 Work Credit for every $1,730 earned, up to 4 credits. In 2022, it was $1,510.
You can find the Work Credit dollar amount for every year here, on the SSA website.
How many Work Credits do I need to be "insured"?
Determining Disability
Social Security defines disability with these 5 questions. Also known as the 5-Step Sequential Evaluation, SSA uses this to determine disability for both SSDI and SSI.
Citations
1 Social Security Administration, Disability Benefits | How You Qualify, https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html#anchor3
2 Social Security Administration, Retirement Benefits, https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/credits.html#h3