Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a payroll tax funded, federal insurance program. SSDI was created in 1954, to provide wage assistance to the primary wage earner if they became disabled and were no longer able to work.
To qualify for Supplemental Security Income you must be determined disabled by the Social Security Administration and your condition must expect to last for at least one year or result in death. You also must not be able to engage in substantial gainful activity which the Social Security Administration considers making more than $940.00 per month.
You also may qualify Supplemental Security Income if you:
To qualify for SSI, you must also meet other non-medical requirements. In 2008, there is a resource and income limitation of $2000 per individual and $3000 per couple. Certain assets may not be considered in the resource and income calculation such as a main residence or car, but in general assets and resources can include: stocks and bonds, cash, life insurance policies (over $1500), real-estate, and extra vehicles.
Certain individuals will automatically be disqualified from receiving Supplemental Security Income benefits including:
Supplemental Security Income Payment Calculation for Louisiana:
Supplemental Security Income benefits can vary depending on your current living arrangements, the state where you reside, and your income. Louisiana adds and administers an additional State Supplemental Benefit amount in addition to the Federal benefit rate.
If you are a disabled veteran and have served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or National Guard you may be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits in addition to benefits you receive from the Department of Veteran Affairs.
For more information regarding Social Security Disability Benefits you can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit them on line at the new veteran’s web site at www.socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors.
To receive Social Security Disability benefits, a veteran will have to meet the same requirements as a civilian. They must be unable to engage in “substantial gainful activity” or be unable to work due to their disability. The disability must last at least 12 months or expect to result in death.
Children (under the age of 18) who are disabled - or not disabled - may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits if they are the dependent of a wage earner who is deceased, disabled, or retired and is or has been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance payments. They also may be eligible for SSDI payments if they are older than 18 and if they were disabled prior to the age of 22.
A child may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income if they are determined disabled by the Social Security Administration or have a Social Security blindness disability and they have limited income and resources. Their disability must last at least 12 months or expect to result in death.
For information about Social Security Disability Benefits for children you can contact the Social Security Administration office at -800-772-1213 or visit them online at www.socialsecurity.gov. If you would like to meet with a Social Security representative in person there are also Social Security field offices through out the state of Louisiana.