There are many ways to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits through the Social Security Administration (SSA) if you are disabled and unable to work. Old-Age, Survivors, Disability Insurance (OASDI) is the part of the SSD program that makes sure that people who are retired, or the spouses and children of a worker who has died, continue to receive the income they need to survive.
Eligibility requirements for OASDI depend on how long you have worked, or if you are a survivor, how long your spouse or parent had worked before they passed away.
For Old-Age benefits, your qualification for benefits depends on your age, as well as the year you were born. For instance, you can receive partial benefits at age 62, and you can receive full benefits between ages 65 and 67. If you were born before 1950, you can receive full benefits at age 65. If you were born between 1950 and 1960, you can receive them at age 66. And if you were born after 1960, you are eligible at age 67.
You must suffer from a complete disability and be unable to perform any work to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. If you qualify for SSD benefits, you may be able to receive OASDI before you reach retirement age.
If you are a spouse or child who hasn’t worked, and you are seeking benefits based on a worker who has died, you are usually eligible for half of their income through OASDI.
A lawyer or disability advocate may be able to help you apply for OASDI or SSD benefits. They can ensure that you fill out your application properly and include the correct materials.
