The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which operates under the umbrella of the Social Security Administration (SSA), is designed to financially support those who have disabilities that prevent them from working. Although many conditions can be debilitating, SSDI has specific criteria and a detailed listing of disabilities eligible for benefits.
The SSA maintains a document called the Listing of Impairments, also known as the “Blue Book.” This listing groups accepted disabilities into 14 main categories. Each category specifies the diseases and medical criteria necessary to qualify. The purpose is to ensure that applicants meet objective and clearly defined requirements.
What types of disabilities qualify for SSDI?
The list covers a wide range of conditions, and can be hundreds of pages with all types of conditions. These are some of the most relevant and most frequent in SSDI insurance applicants:
- Musculoskeletal disorders: They include severe spinal problems, inflammatory arthritis, and broken bones that do not heal properly. These conditions often affect mobility and the ability to perform basic physical activities.
- Cardiovascular diseases: Conditions such as congestive heart failure, severe arrhythmias, and peripheral vascular diseases that affect blood flow are considered.
- Respiratory disorders: Diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe asthma and cystic fibrosis are included.
- Mental disorders: Major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and autism spectrum disorders are examples of eligible conditions.
- Serious cancers: Some types, such as pancreatic, lung, liver, and certain advanced stages of other cancers, automatically qualify.
- Neurological disorders: They include uncontrolled epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), and neurodegenerative diseases such as advanced Parkinson’s.
- Sensory and communication disorders: Complete loss of vision, hearing or speech, as well as severe problems affecting communication, may be considered.
Musculoskeletal disorders (arthritis and chronic back injuries, etc.) account for 55% of SSDI benefit approvals, while mental disorders account for approximately 33% (major depression and severe bipolar disorder, etc.).
How to know if you qualify for SSDI
Even if your condition is listed in the Blue Book, this does not necessarily mean that you will be approved. The SSA also evaluates your residual functional capacity (RFC), that is, whether you can perform some type of job despite your limitations. Factors such as age, education and work experience also influence the decision.
Applying for SSDI involves gathering detailed medical evidence, such as test results, medical records, and statements from medical specialists. It is essential to demonstrate how the condition affects your daily life and your ability to work.
If you are rejected, there is an appeal process that is also your right, and you can use it. About 65% of initial requests are denied, but many are approved after a review or hearing with an administrative law judge.
SSDI payment dates in December 2024
SSDI payments are distributed according to two main factors used by the SSA: the benefit start date and the beneficiary’s birthday.
- December 3: Payments for beneficiaries that began before May 1997. This payment has already been processed (already sent to beneficiaries as of this day).
- December 11: Payments for those born between the 1st and 10th of the month, with benefits after May 1997.
- December 18: Payment for those born between the 11th and 20th of any month, beneficiaries after May 1997.
- December 24: Advance payment for those born between the 21st and 31st, since the 25th is a national Christmas holiday.
If you do not receive your SSDI payment on the expected date, the first thing you should do is verify your bank account or debit card where the money is usually deposited. Make sure that there are no errors in your account information registered with the SSA. If you confirm that the payment was not made, you may contact the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 and explain the situation.