Legal Definitions - Social Security Disability Insurance

Social SecurityDisability Insurance (SSDI) is a program that provides financial assistance to adults with disabilities who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain amount of time. The program is administered by the Social Security Administration.

SSDI benefits are available to individuals who have accumulated enough work credits and then become disabled. Disabled adult children and disabled widows and widowers may also be eligible for benefits.

For example, if a person has worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years and then becomes disabled, they may be eligible for SSDI benefits. Similarly, if a person's adult child becomes disabled and meets the eligibility requirements, they may also receive SSDI benefits.

SSDI benefits can help individuals with disabilities cover their living expenses and medical costs, providing a safety net for those who are unable to work due to their disability.