Yes, you can apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if you are under 65.
SSDI is different from Social Security retirement benefits that you may be eligible to receive if you are over 65. SSDI is for those who have been diagnosed with a medical condition that causes a disability which stops you from working for at least 12 months. It covers anyone from 18 years to 65 years but you must have gained a certain number of work credits from paying social security taxes to qualify for this benefit.
You may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits if you have a limited income and have not accumulated sufficient work credits to qualify for SSDI.
Age Limits For Social Security Disability Benefits
Social security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits are for those between 18-65 years of age. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for between birth and 65. Once you are 65, your benefits will switch to retirement benefits. If you worked long enough and have paid social security taxes, the SSDI program will pay disability benefits to you as well as specific family members.
An adult child may qualify for benefits on your earnings record if he or she has a disability that began before the age of 22. The SSI program pays benefits to adults who are disabled and children who have limited income and resources. You don’t need to have paid taxes to qualify for SSI.
Differences Between Social Security Disability Benefits and Retirement Benefits
Retirement benefits are for those who are over 65 and have worked and have paid social security taxes. You do not have to be experiencing a disability to qualify for retirement benefits.
Social security disability benefits (SSDI) and SSI benefits are for those who are disabled due to a medical condition and are unable to work for at least 12 months. SSDI applicants need to have paid social security taxes and accumulated sufficient work credits before qualifying for this disability benefit. You must meet a blue book listing for your medical condition and have either enough work credits (SSDI) or are below the income requirements so that you are eligible for SSI.
Applying For Disability Benefits If You Are Under 65
You may apply online, over the phone or at your local office. If you send any supporting documents, you must include your Social Security number so that they can be matched with the correct application. You should write the Social Security number on a separate sheet of paper and include it in the mailing envelope with the any other documents.
You are considered eligible for disability benefits if you cannot undertake work and engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of your medical condition. Also you are unable to do work you did previously or adjust to other work because of your medical condition.
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