Daniela BarreraDann_arvzUpdate: May 7th, 2023 21:52 EDT0

Millions of people receive monthly payments from the Social Security Administration. Beneficiaries include retired workers and people on Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance.

SSI provides basic financial assistance to adults age 65 and older and people with disabilities, regardless of age, with limited income or resources, while SSDI provides support to people who have not have reached their full retirement age but have a disability and have a qualifying employment history.

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To be an SSDI recipient, you must have paid Social Security taxes while working as a qualified employee, which is the biggest difference from SSI recipients, who can apply for the benefit without having worked, since this program is subsidized by the federal government.

According to official information from the agency, the people who may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are those who prove they have a serious or total disability, whether it is an injury or illness that prevents them from performing “a substantial gainful activity”.

They must demonstrate that the treatment they are undergoing lasts at least one year, or that the disease has no cure. They must also have made the necessary payments to Social Security during their working life.

You can apply online through the official SSA website or by phone at 800-772-1213. You will need to have the necessary documents on hand to prove your disability and work history. SSA has a list of helpful documents to review before you call.

If you would like a Social Security representative to help you file your application, call the number listed above and schedule an appointment. The average time to get a response from SSA is more than six months. If accepted, payment is calculated as if you had reached full retirement age.