SSDI Disability Benefits
Explained in Plain English

• Social Security Disability Insurance, usually called SSDI, is not the same thing as SSI.   SSDI is generally based on your work history and Social Security taxes.
  • SSI is generally based on low income and limited resources. Many people are confused because both programs can involve disability, both are handled by Social Security, and some people may qualify for both.
  • Social Security explains that SSDI is for people who worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s disability rules.
    • SSA SSDI eligibility
    • SSA.Gov Disability Benefits Publication 10029
    • Fact Sheet: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)  Publication 11001
• If you are really looking for the low-income disability program,
  • see our page on  SSI Supplemental Security Income.
• If you are trying to understand disability programs generally, you may also want to start with our
  • Aged and Disabled eligibility section.
  • Also check SDI State Disability Coverage.  Pays up to 1 year.  Funded by Payroll taxes.
  • Private coverage you can purchase BEFORE you get disabled.

Quick Difference: SSDI vs. SSI

• Why SSDI Matters for Health Insurance
  • SSDI is not just an income question. It can also affect health coverage. A person approved for SSDI is generally eligible for Medicare after receiving disability benefits for 24 months. Social Security says Medicare entitlement begins after 24 months of SSDI benefits, with exceptions such as ALS where Medicare may start sooner.
    • SSA Red Book: SSDI and Medicare
• This is where the insurance questions can get complicated. Someone may need to coordinate SSDI with
  • Medicare,
  • Medi-Cal,
  • Covered California,
  • dual coverage,   or even a
  • Medi-Cal Share of Cost.
• Common SSDI Questions
• Can I get SSDI if I have not worked enough?
  • Maybe not. SSDI usually requires enough recent work history. Social Security says many adults generally need to have worked about 5 of the last 10 years, although younger workers may qualify with less work history.  SSA: Who can get Disability
• Can I get SSI instead?
  • Possibly. SSI is different from SSDI because SSI is based on financial need, not your past work record. See our
    • SSI page for more detail.
• Can I work while receiving SSDI?
  • Sometimes. Social Security has special work rules, including trial work periods. Be careful, because working while receiving benefits can create overpayment problems if not handled correctly.  SSA work rules for disability
• What happens when I become eligible for Medicare?
  • You may need help reviewing Medicare Advantage, Part D prescription coverage, Medigap, and whether Medi-Cal may help with Medicare costs. Start with our
    • Medicare section and
    • dual coverage page.
    •  disability secrets.com/ is-medicare-mandatory-if-on-disability
• Related Disability and Medi-Cal Topics
• Disability benefits can overlap with several other important eligibility rules. You may also want to review:
  • Disabled Adult Child benefits,
    • Pickle Amendment information,
  • Medi-Cal Working Disabled Program,  and
  • Medi-Cal Share of Cost.

• Bottom Line
  • SSDI is usually about work history and disability.
  • SSI is usually about low income and limited resources.
  • Medicare, Medi-Cal, Covered California, and dual coverage can all enter the picture depending on your situation.
  • The best next step is to identify which program you are really dealing with, then review how it affects your health insurance choices.
• Additional Resources
  • disability secrets.com/ ssdi benefits calculator
  • SSDI on Parents work record  Special Needs Answer.com
    • Social Security Disability Benefits for a Disabled Adult Child All Law.com
  • Nolo’s Guide to Social Security Disability
    • DI 11005.023 Completing the SSA-3368-BK (Disability Report – Adult)
      • Actual Form