In Indiana, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program application process involves many intricacies, which are crucial to understand. Each age group has different essential considerations and understanding them allows you to prepare better and make informed decisions regarding your financial well-being.
SSDI in early adulthood
Individuals who wish to apply for SSDI in their 20s to 30s need to meet specific eligibility criteria that might make it harder to qualify than those in older age brackets. You must also have accumulated enough work credits over your working life to be eligible for SSDI benefits.
The number of work credits required varies depending on your age bracket. For example, if you are younger than 24 years, you may need as few as six credits to qualify for SSDI. Once you reach 31 years old, you may need 20 work credits and must have earned them within the last 10 years before your disability.
Mid-career age bracket
At this phase of your work life, from your 40s to 50s, you may need periodic medical reviews if you want to qualify for SSDI. However, as you age, the requirements become more flexible and accommodating. If you can still work but not in your former field or previous capacity, you may receive partial SSDI benefits to supplement your work income.
Heading toward retirement age
Known as the Rule of 55, people in the 55-to-59 SSDI age bracket have a jump in approval rate to approximately 57% for SSDI compared to younger age groups, which have a 42% to 49% chance of getting approved for benefits. As you approach retirement age, you must consider transitioning from SSDI benefits to Social Security and what changes, if any, will occur. Regarding health coverage, you may also need to understand the Medicare program and navigate how it will interact with your SSDI benefits as retirement approaches.
Many individuals receive a denial of their initial SSDI application. You can appeal against this decision and increase your odds of success if you become familiar with the ins and outs of the appeals process before engaging in a formal appeal. For those who receive approval, some programs offer incentives for returning to work, and you may be able to take advantage of these programs without losing your SSDI benefits.