Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits provide financial assistance and health insurance to individuals with disabilities through the Social Security Administration. Individuals must meet the medical and non-medical criteria to qualify for benefits. The medical criteria require an individual prove they are unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) on a regular and continuing basis due to a medically determinable impairment(s). This standard of disability is similar to other disability programs including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits, and Disabled Widow(er)’s Benefits (DWB). The non-medical criteria require an individual applying for SSDI benefits to be “insured” for benefits. The term “insured” simply means they must have worked and earned sufficient work credits to be eligible. The general rule requires an individual to earn 20 quarters of coverage in a 40-quarter period. This is usually accomplished by working at least 5 out of the past 10 years. There are exceptions to the 20/40 rule for individuals who are younger than 31 years old and individuals who have previously been found disabled through Social Security.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits provide financial assistance and health insurance to individuals with disabilities. The medical criteria require an individual prove they are unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) on a regular and continuing basis due to a medically determinable impairment(s). This standard of disability is similar to other disability programs including Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits, Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits, and Disabled Widow(er)’s Benefits (DWB). The non-medical criteria for SSI benefits require an individual to satisfy the countable resources limit. An individual may not have countable resources that exceed $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a married couple. There are exceptions to the countable resources limit such as a home you live in, a vehicle you own, and other household goods and personal effects.

Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits provide financial assistance and health insurance to individuals who are unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) on a regular and continuing basis due to a medically determinable impairment(s). To qualify, an individual must prove disability between the ages of 18 and 22 and must continue to be deemed disabled through Social Security after the age of 22. DAC benefits allow a recipient to receive benefits based on a disabled, retired, or deceased parent’s earnings record – which often results in a higher monthly benefit amount for the individual. An individual applying for DAC benefits may not be married unless it is deemed a “protected” marriage – defined as a marriage between two disabled individuals. DAC benefits are one of the more complex benefit programs offered through the Social Security Administration.

Disabled Widow(er)’s Benefits provide financial assistance and health insurance to surviving spouses and divorced surviving spouses who are unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) on a regular and continuing basis due to a medically determinable impairment(s). This standard of medical disability is similar to other disability programs including Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The non-medical criteria require an applicant be at least 50 years of age. In addition, they must prove disability within the “prescribed period,” defined as within 7 years of the spouse or ex-spouse’s death. A surviving divorced spouse must have been married to the deceased for 10 years or more to qualify for DWB. DWB allow a recipient to receive benefits based on a deceased spouse or deceased ex-spouse’s earnings record.

Auxiliary benefits are additional monthly financial benefits payable to a spouse of a disabled worker if they have a child under age 16 and to children of a disabled worker. Typically, child beneficiaries must be under the age of 18, except for a high school student who is under age 19 may also qualify for benefits. These benefits are payable to a spouse and children of a disabled worker with “insured” status. Auxiliary benefits are not payable to a spouse or children of disabled individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).