Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is available to people with impairments that prevent them from working. One of the factors for eligibility is that the impairment must be expected to last at least a year or to result in death. Another factor is that the impaired person must have worked a certain period of time and paid sufficient Social Security taxes.
If you are interested in obtaining SSDI benefits, The Law Center for Social Security Disability can help. I am attorney Gary Jones, and I have more than 30 years of experience getting these benefits for disabled workers, as well as for their surviving spouses and children.
Consulting an experienced Oklahoma City Social Security Disability Insurance attorney can be essential in navigating the complexities of the application process and maximizing your chances of a successful claim.
Understand Your Options And The Alternatives
SSDI is what most people think of when they think of Social Security Disability benefits. However, it is not the only benefit available.
I am an experienced Oklahoma City Social Security Disability Insurance attorney who can help you understand your options. Do you qualify for SSDI? If not, perhaps you qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Whether you have not yet applied or you have already applied and been denied, an Oklahoma City Supplemental Security Income attorney can skillfully usher your claim forward. I will stand by your side to help you get benefits.
What Is the Difference Between Social Security Disability and SSDI?
SSD and SSDI are both programs that provide benefits to individuals with disabilities, but they have different eligibility requirements. SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security tax contributions, while SSD is a broad term that includes both SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). The main difference is that SSDI is for individuals who have paid into the system, while SSI is a need-based program for those with limited income and resources.
How SSDI Differs from Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSDI is funded through payroll taxes, meaning you must have a qualifying work history to receive benefits. If you have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes, you may be eligible for SSDI regardless of your financial situation. SSI, on the other hand, is a needs-based program designed for individuals who are disabled, blind, or elderly and have little or no income.
Work credits determine SSDI eligibility, while SSI is based purely on financial need. If you do not have enough work credits, you may not qualify for SSDI benefits, even if you meet medical disability requirements. SSI recipients typically receive lower monthly payments than SSDI beneficiaries, as SSDI benefits are based on prior earnings.
Who Administers SSDI and How Benefits Are Determined
The Social Security Administration (SSA) processes SSDI applications and determines eligibility based on work history and disability status. Applicants must submit medical records, employment history, and financial documents to prove they meet the criteria for benefits. SSA reviews each case carefully to decide if the applicant qualifies for disability payments.
Disability determinations follow federal guidelines and require proof of a qualifying medical condition. The SSA’s Blue Book outlines specific impairments that meet the definition of disability. If your condition is not listed, you must provide additional evidence showing that your disability prevents you from performing any substantial work.
What Makes Someone Eligible for SSDI?
To qualify for SSDI, you must meet strict eligibility criteria related to your work history, medical condition, and ability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA). If you do not meet these requirements, your claim may be denied or delayed. SSDI eligibility requirements include:
- You must have earned enough work credits by paying into Social Security through payroll taxes. The number of credits required depends on your age at the time of disability.
- Your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from performing any substantial work and must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- If you earn more than a certain amount per month, the SSA may determine that you can work and deny your claim.
- Your application must include medical records, doctor statements, and proof of how your condition limits your ability to work.
How Much Does Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Pay?
SSDI payments are calculated based on your lifetime earnings before becoming disabled. The higher your income and the longer you worked before your disability, the higher your benefit amount will be. The SSA uses a formula based on your average indexed monthly earnings (AIME) to determine your monthly payment.
The SSA calculates SSDI benefits using a formula that considers your past earnings. Your AIME is used to determine your primary insurance amount (PIA), which represents the base amount of your monthly benefit. SSDI payments are not based on the severity of your disability but rather on how much you contributed to Social Security over time.
SSDI benefits have both upper and lower limits, depending on your work history. The maximum monthly SSDI benefit for 2025 is $4,018, while the average monthly payment for most recipients is around $1,537. Individuals with limited work history or low lifetime earnings may receive smaller benefit amounts.
Contact an Oklahoma City Social Security Disability Lawyer for Help Recovering SSDI
Call (405) 236-1416 or email me to discuss your case with a trusted Social Security Disability Insurance lawyer in Oklahoma City. I have served the community for more than two decades and am ready to take on your case. Contact me with any questions you may have so I can take immediate action on your SSDI claim. Initial consultations are free.