If you have been unable to work due to an illness or injury chances are you have considered applying for Social Security Disability benefits.

You probably have many questions about the Social Security disability programs regarding such issues as the differences between the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Although there are differences between the two programs, both require the applicant to meet a statutory definition of disability. In the most general terms, an applicant must be able to prove that he or she has a medically determinable medical impairment that precludes the ability to perform any substantial gainful activity available in the national economy for a period that has lasted, or is expected to last, at least twelve months.

Social Security Disability (SSDI):

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are available for those who have worked and paid FICA taxes for a sufficient number of quarters, and who are suffering from medical impairments which make it impossible to sustain any type of work activity. Basically for SSDI you must have paid FICA taxes while working for ten years in your life, and for five of the ten years prior to the date that you become totally disabled.

The requirements are adjusted for people who are less than 28 years old.

SSDI benefits may also be available for disabled widows/widowers more than 50 years old and who became totally disabled within 7 years of their spouse's death; and for persons who can prove that they became totally disabled before age 22 and who have a parent on SSDI or receiving Social Security retirement benefits.

At the law firm of Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd. , located in Des Plaines, Illinois and proudly serving Social Security Disability claimants nationwide, we understand that you are struggling; and we also understand that you have many questions about the process.

We have created this page to answer some of the questions you may have about Social Security Disability claims. However, since each individual's situation is unique, we urge you to contact us so we can be of greater assistance to you in pursuing your claim. We want to be your Social Security Disability attorneys!