SSDI Benefits in Idaho

Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, is a program run by the federal government. It provides monthly payments to people who can't work due to a medical condition that's expected to last at least a year or result in death. It's funded through payroll taxes, meaning you've paid into it while you were working. It's designed to help people who've had a significant change in their life due to a disability.

What Is the SSA?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is a U.S. federal agency that administers a variety of programs to support citizens, particularly those with disabilities and the elderly. One of these programs is the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

According to the SSA, a person is considered disabled if they have a condition that prevents them from doing the work they used to do, and they cannot adjust to other work because of their medical condition. The disability must also be expected to last at least one year or result in death.

The definition by the SSA is strict and does not account for partial or short-term disabilities. This means that if you can perform any other kind of work or if your disability isn't long-term, you won't qualify for SSDI benefits under the SSA's definition.

What are work credits?

Work credits are a way to measure your tax contributions toward the disability insurance program. Here's how they work: As you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn up to four work credits per year.

The number of work credits you need depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

Who Is Eligible for SSDI?

In Idaho, you are eligible for SSDI if you've earned enough work credits and if you have a medical condition that meets the SSA's definition of disability. You must also be younger than your full retirement age.

To be considered disabled by SSA standards, you must meet three criteria:

1. You are unable to perform the work you did before you became disabled.
2. You are unable to adjust to different work because of your disability.
3. Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least one year, or is expected to result in death.

How to Apply for SSDI in Idaho

To apply for SSDI in Idaho, you can apply online on the SSA's website. You can also call the SSA's toll-free number or make an appointment with your local Social Security office to apply in person.

Apply for SSDI Benefits Online: https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/dib

Apply By Phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 8:00 am - 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Information Needed to Apply for SSDI in Idaho

To apply for SSDI in Idaho, you need your Social Security number, birth certificate, information about your medical condition, names and contact details of doctors who have treated you, and details about your work history and income. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible to avoid processing delays.

Appeal Process

If you apply for SSDI and your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal.

Hiring a disability lawyer can be helpful during this process. These lawyers understand the complex SSDI laws and procedures, and they can increase your chances of winning your appeal.

There are four levels of the appeal process: Reconsideration, Hearing, Appeals Council Review, and Federal Court Review.

Reconsideration

This is the first level of appeal where your case is reviewed by someone who didn't take part in the initial decision.

Hearing by an Administrative Law Judge

If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can ask for a hearing with an administrative law judge.

Appeals Council Review

If you still disagree with the decision, you can ask the Appeals Council to review the case.

Federal Court Review

If you disagree with the Appeals Council's decision, the final step is to file a lawsuit in a federal district court. For federal court reviews, you must be represented by an attorney.

SSI Program in Idaho

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is another program run by the SSA. In Idaho, you can qualify for SSI if you have limited income and resources, and if you're disabled, blind, or over 65.

The process to apply for SSI is similar to SSDI: You can apply online, by phone, or in person. The amount you'll receive from SSI depends on your income and living situation.

In addition to the cash benefits, qualifying for SSI in Idaho also makes you eligible for other benefits. This includes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for food and Medicaid for healthcare. These extra benefits can be a big help in meeting the needs of your household.

Idaho - Social Security Disability Office Locations