5.2.0 Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Louisiana Statewide Transition Project and Louisiana: Healthy and Ready to Work Fact Sheet Series
	7/9/99

I. WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a benefit program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) which provides benefits to individuals with disabilities who have worked and paid Social Security taxes (FICA) and, in some cases, to their adult children with disabilities (called "disabled adult children" by the SSA). Financial support provided by SSDI can help pay basic living expenses. This can be especially helpful while young adults are making the transition from school to work, during periods of training or attending post-secondary education, or while working at low-paying or part-time employment.

II. KEY POINTS

Eligibility:

There are two ways individuals may qualify for SSDI benefits: as a former worker or as a dependent, unmarried adult child of a person eligible for SSDI benefits.

• have worked and paid Social Security taxes (FICA) for enough years to be covered by Social Security (as determined by SSA guidelines);

· be unemployed or working but earning less than $700 per month or $1110 if blind.

To be eligible for SSDI as a dependent, unmarried adult child of a person eligible for SSDI benefits, the individual must:

· be the unmarried child (including adopted child, stepchild and, in some cases, grandchild) of a retired, disabled, or deceased worker, who is or was eligible for SSDI in his/her own right (see requirements listed previously).

Work Incentives:

Changes have been made in the Social Security laws that make it possible for recipients of SSDI to work without losing needed benefits. These changes, called Work Incentives, help individuals maintain SSDI eligibility and Medicare benefits while working. For more information on Work Incentives, contact a local or district Social Security office and ask to speak to a Work Incentives Liaison. The SSDI Work Incentives are:

· Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE);

· Trial Work Period;

· Extended Period of Eligibility;

· Continuation of Medicare Coverage;

· Medicare for People With Disabilities Who Work; and

· Continued Payment Under a Vocational Rehabilitation Program.

III. ROLES/NEXT STEPS

Students/Young Adults:

Young adults who think they may be eligible for SSDI payments should contact the SSA. Personnel in local or district offices can provide information on eligibility and the application process. If support or assistance is wanted or needed, young adults should contact the nearest Social Security office or ask a family member or friend for help.

Young adults who are working or would like to work should talk with family members and agency personnel and ask for information about how working will affect SSDI benefits. They should learn about Work Incentives and ask adults supporting them in their transition to help them access programs.

If assistance is needed to understand the SSDI program or the application process, personnel in Families Helping Families Regional Offices can provide information and assistance.

Families:

Families who think their son or daughter may be eligible for SSDI payments should provide needed assistance when applying for benefits at the nearest Social Security office. Personnel in these offices can provide information on eligibility and the application process.

When discussing the transition to employment with agency personnel, families should ask about various Work Incentives for which their son/daughter may be eligible. If incentives are identified, they should help their son/daughter apply.

Transition personnel at Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and adult service agencies should learn about the SSDI program so that information and assistance can be provided to young adults and families. They should attend workshops and/or conferences that provide information on this and other Social Security topics. Social Security offices have brochures and other printed materials about programs that can be shared with young adults and their families. These materials can also be accessed through the SSA's website (see the Resources/Contacts section below).

Agency representatives should offer informational workshops on this and other Social Security topics for young adults and families. Personnel in local or district Social Security offices can be contacted to provide information about programs.

As requested, personnel from the SSA should attend meetings at which transition to employment is discussed. They can also serve on a local interagency transition team. By providing information to LEAs, families, and young adults, SSA personnel can help young adults plan for employment without the fear of losing needed benefits prematurely.

IV. RESOURCES/CONTACTS

Families Helping Families Regional Offices:

Acadiana: 800-378-9854

Bayouland: 800-331-5571

At the Crossroads: 800-259-7200

Greater Baton Rouge: 888-511-5299

Greater New Orleans: 800-766-7736

Northeast LA: 888-300-1320

Northshore: 800-383-8700

Northwest LA: 888-989-0315

Southwest LA: 800-894-6558

Social Security Administration

1-800-772-1213 (voice) or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY)

(Persons calling these numbers can get information about Social Security Disability Insurance and can request that an appointment be made at a SSA office near them.)

Website: http://www.ssa.gov

Social Security and You Teacher's Kit

This is a set of materials designed for high school students that explains the Social Security system. It includes five lessons, fact sheets, student handouts, and quizzes. The handouts are in large print suitable for use as blackline masters for transparencies or overhead projectors. It can be obtained by mail, or downloaded from the SSA's website (see previous contact information). A 25-minute videotape is also available. If you would like a copy, send a blank 60-minute VHS videotape with your mailing information to: Social Security, 4-J-8 WHR, Baltimore, MD 21235. Be sure to tell them you want the Teachers Kit tape duplicated. This service is free.

V. REFEERENCES

Social Security Administration Office of Disability. (January, 1996). Graduating to Independence. [available via internet: http://www.ssa.gov]

Social Security Administration. (January, 1999). Social Security Update 1999. [available via internet: http://www.ssa.gov]