What Is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or Title II) Benefits?

• SSDI is an insurance program for workers and their dependents.
• Provides benefits for workers who worked at least 20 of the 40 quarters prior to
  application date (*Rules differ for individuals under age 31.)
• SSDI benefits are not only available to the worker, but also to his/her dependents
  or survivors in most cases.
• Sometimes even a divorced individual can qualify for benefits under the account
  of his/her former spouse (special rules apply).

What Are DAC (Disabled Adult Child) Benefits?

• A child over age 18 may receive benefits on one of his parent’s account if he/she is
  disabled and the disability began on or before his/her 22nd birthday.
• The adult disabled child is not eligible if he/she married, unless the marriage is to
  someone who is also eligible for benefits, from the time the marriage took place.

What Are Supplemental Security Income (SSI or Title XVI) Benefits?

• SSI is a welfare disability program.
• Claimant must be aged, blind or disabled to qualify.
• Claimant must meet an “income and resource” test.
  Non-excludable assets must fall below $2000 for an individual or $3000 for an
  eligible couple (e.g., home and 1 car excludable).
• Any earned or unearned money received will decrease the amount of SSI benefits.
• Disabled children are eligible for SSI if their parent(s)’ income is low enough.

When Should I Apply For Benefits?

• Claimants should apply as soon as full-time work has become impossible,
  due to the individual’s mental or physical impairment(s).
• Part-time work does not necessarily keep a claimant from qualifying.
• An individual who has been receiving SSI benefits can qualify for DAC benefits as
  of the date his/her parent becomes deceased or qualifies for disability benefits, if
  his/her disability began before 22nd birthdate.

Can I Reopen A Prior Claim?

• Yes, under some circumstances. If not, proceed on merits of new claim.
• Extensions of time may be granted if good cause exists for missing deadline to appeal
  Requests to reopen may be granted within one year for “any reason.”
• Requests to reopen within 2 years and 4 years for “good cause” for SSI and
  SSDI claims, respectively.