
What Is the Average Waiting Period for SSDI Benefits to Begin?
If you qualify as an “insured” person, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits.

If you qualify as an “insured” person, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides benefits.

In order to ensure your eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you should review some of the major disqualifiers before beginning the application process. Eligible individuals can benefit from both programs though they have distinct differences. The major difference is SSI eligibility qualification relies on age, disability, and limited resources and income, while SSDI eligibility determination relies on disability and work credits. In most states, SSI recipients automatically qualify for Medicaid health care coverage, which could result in additional supplementary benefits through your state’s Medicaid program. However, both programs have some common reasons that can disqualify your claim.

When you apply for disability benefits, you should have a disability attorney represent your interests. Hiring a disability attorney can streamline the process for faster approval. Federal law regulates the fees when hiring a disability attorney to correlate to your date of entitlement or disability payback which is generally 25 percent or about $6,000. Upfront money requirements are minimal, if at all, and payment only occurs (contingency fees) when you win your case, creating a strong motivation for your attorney to succeed.