Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal insurance program in the United States that provides income and protection to people who are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability. SSDI is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Benefits are paid to eligible individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain period of time.
To qualify for SSDI, an individual must meet the SSA’s definition of disability. This means that the individual must have a physical or mental impairment that prevents them from engaging in “substantial gainful activity.” The SSA considers a variety of factors when determining whether an individual is disabled, including the individual’s age, education, work experience, and the severity of their impairment.