Essential information about SSDI benefits in California

California residents suffering from a severe physical or mental impairment that prevents them from working may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. However, determining eligibility requirements and the application process can be complex and confusing.

SSDI benefits help millions of people. Approximately 8 million people under the age of 65 currently receive SSDI benefits. SSDI benefits are intended for people who have worked and paid towards the system and are unable to continue working because of a disability.

Eligibility for SSDI benefits in California

In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, California individuals must meet both disability and income requirements.

To qualify as disabled, an individual must be unable to perform any "substantial" work because of a physical or mental condition. The condition must be expected to last a minimum of one year or be fatal.

The disability must not only prevent individuals from working in their customary occupation but also in any other occupation, depending on factors such as age, education, work history and experience.

To meet the income requirement, an individual must work and pay taxes under the Federal Insurance Contributions Act for a certain period of time. It does not matter if an individual already has money in the bank or owns other assets. SSDI benefits are based only on whether taxes are paid for an appropriate amount of time.

"Credits" are gained by earning specific wages and paying a certain amount of taxes. The number of credits necessary to qualify for disability benefits depends on the age of the individual when the disability began.

For instance, if the onset of the disability occurred before age 24, six earned work credits within the past three years are necessary to qualify for benefits. The number of required credits generally increases along with the age of disability onset.

California SSDI benefit application process

The entire SSDI benefit process normally takes between one and six months. Basic required information includes:

• Social Security number
• Birth certificate
• Medical records from doctors, hospitals and caseworkers
• Work history and description of prior work experience

Along with medical records, the names, addresses and phone numbers of all doctors or hospitals where treatment was performed are necessary. Dates of any treatment and copies of any test results as well may also be requested. Spouse and dependent information, along with recent tax returns, are also typically required.

Once this information is provided, monthly benefits are calculated based on overall lifetime wages. The amount is modified annually for cost of living adjustments. An amount may also be decreased if an individual is receiving other public assistance benefits, such as state disability payments or workers' compensation earnings.

SSDI benefits are paid as long as an individual remains unable to work. There is no need to reapply for benefits once they begin, although the Social Security Administration does periodic reviews to determine if the disabling condition has improved. When an individual reaches retirement age, the payments are automatically converted to retirement benefits.

California residents with questions about SSDI eligibility or who need assistance with the application process need an experienced SSDI attorney. The attorney can provide valuable legal advice throughout the application process.