Social Security Disability

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance and/or Supplemental Security Income, you need to prove you meet Social Security's definition of disability.   Generally, in order to show you meet Social Security's disability insurance, you must show that you have an impairment(s) that makes it impossible for you to perform substantial gainful activity for at least a year.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI, DIB, or Title II)  is funded through FICA taxes, a tax that is paid by many employers and employees.  Generally, if you have worked for 5 of the past 10 years prior to the year you became disabled and have paid FICA taxes, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance.

Supplemental Security Income Supplemental Security Income (SSI, Title XVI) is for those who have limited income and assets.

Child's Disability Benefits (CDB) is a form of SSI.  In order to qualify for child's disability insurance, you must show:

-The claimant is 17 years old or younger

-The parent(s)/legal guardian(s) income and assets are not too great.

-He/she suffers from a mental and.or physical impairment that causes severe functional of limitations.  Social Security looks at 6 function domains of 1) acquiring and using information, 2) attending and completing tasks, 3) interacting and relating to others, 4) moving and manipulating objects, 5) caring for self, and 6) health and physical well being.

Disabled Widow Benefits (DWB) or Retirement Survivors Disability Insurance (RSDI) is a form of Social Security Disability Insurance.  Generally, you can collect widow/widower benefits on your spouse's earning records once you turn 60.  However, if you are disabled, you can potentially be eligible for Disabled Widow Benefits if you are between the ages of 50-59, provided that you the additional requirements set by Social Security.  Under some circumstances, you can also collected Disabled Widow Benefits if you are divorced.