SSDI / Social Security Disability Insurance

Social Security Disability Insurance or SSDI is an insurance program administered by the Social Security Administration for disabled people who have worked and paid FICA (Federal Insurance Contribution Act) taxes for a certain number of calendar quarters. SSDI provides a variety of benefits to family members when the main wage earner in the family becomes disabled or dies. SSDI benefits are payable to disabled workers, widows, widowers and children or adults who have been disabled since childhood who are otherwise eligible.

The program is funded with Social Security taxes paid by workers, employers and self-employed persons. SSDI benefits are paid monthly. The monetary amount paid to the beneficiary depends on the disabled worker's age, level of earnings and time in the work force. Payments begin after a five-month waiting period from the time of the disability and will continue until the individual dies or is able to work again. If the individual is able to work again, SSDI will provide "work incentives" to ease the transition back to work with continued monetary benefits and health care coverage.