32 msfocusmagazine.org What happens to someone who becomes disabled and can no longer work? According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, only about one-third of American workers are covered by long-term disability insurance. If you have a diagnosis of MS, it may be difficult to qualify for private disability coverage, or it may be extremely expensive. Thankfully, though, there is a safety net to provide income for Americans who are disabled. Though theyare often referred to collectively as “Social SecurityDisability,” there are actually twoFederalprogramsundertheSocialSecurity Administration that provide income and healthcare for people with disabilities: • Social Security Disability Insurance SSDI is a program that provides income for people with disabilities expected to last more than 12 months who have paid into the Social Security trust while employed. The amount of SSDI income available is based on a person’s previous history of earnings and contributions (or, in some cases, those of a spouse or parent). • Supplemental Security Income SSIassistspeoplewithdisabilitiesexpectedto last more than 12 months who have limited income and resources, including both adults and children.The Federal government funds SSI from the general tax revenue. Some states offer further programs to supplement the income available through SSI. SSDI: What is it? When to Apply SSDI SSI Basis? Contributions to Social Security Need-based Who qualifies?* A person who meets Social A person who meets Security’s standard for disability Social Security’s standard AND has a history of earnings for disability from which deductions were AND has limited income made for Social Security and resources Health coverage provided? Medicare, after two years Medicaid State supplement available? No Yes How are payments Based on the worker’s average Based on the Federal Benefit determined? lifetime earnings covered by Rate. (2018: $750 for an Social Security. individual, $1,125 fora couple.) What reduces payments? Other disability payments (such Any income above as worker’s compensation or and beyond the allowed state disability benefits). deductions. Is there a waiting period Five months from onset of No waiting period. for payment eligibility? disability. * In some circumstances, spouses and children may qualify under a nondisabled worker’s earnings record. Hot Topics