14 Your Rights to Disability Insurance A 1956 amendment to the Social Security Act granted all Americans the right to disability insurance. Paid for through employee contributions, this program provides essential protection for all American workers and their families. Approximately 1 percent of each working person’s earnings are deducted for this program. While you may never need it, it is your right to use this insurance should the need arise. Though they are often referred to collectively as “Social Security Disability,” there are actually two Federal programs under the Social Security Administration (SSA) 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 SSI assists people with disabilities expected to 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. In some cases, an individual may be eligible for both SSI and SSDI. What Determines Eligibility for SSDI? When you apply for coverage, the SSAwill examine your medical and work history. They will seek to establish how your condition limits your ability to work and when those limitations began. In orderto do so, theywill examinewhich medical professionals you have seen, what symptoms you discussed with your doctor(s), the results of any tests your doctor(s) ordered, the treatments you have used or are using, and your work history. While your medical records are a key factor in determining your qualifications, the SSA considers several questions to determine whether you qualify for disability benefits. These may include: • Does your condition limit your work? To qualify, a condition must substantially limit your ability to perform basic activities associated with your employment, such as standing, sitting, walking, lifting, or remembering. • Can you do other work? Your disability may have left you unable to work in your chosen field, but is there otherwork forwhich you are qualified or have experience?