- SSDI Eligibility: The 12-Month Rule You’ve heard that Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for long-term disabilities, but you’re not sure what that means. This video will provide a clear answer to a very common question: How long must you be disabled to qualify for SSDI in Pennsylvania?
- The 12-Month Rule: We’ll explain the key eligibility requirement: To qualify for SSDI, your disability must have lasted or be expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months, or be expected to result in death.
- Not for Short-Term Disabilities: We’ll clarify that SSDI is not designed for short-term disabilities. If you are expected to recover and return to work within a year, you will not be eligible for SSDI benefits.
- The “Five-Month Waiting Period”: We’ll also explain that even after your disability begins, there is a five-month waiting period before you can start receiving your first SSDI payment.
- Getting the Right Medical Evidence: We’ll emphasize the importance of having strong medical evidence to prove that your disability meets the 12-month rule. The Social Security Administration will rely heavily on your medical records and the opinion of your treating physicians.
This video is for any seriously injured worker in Pennsylvania who is considering applying for Social Security Disability benefits.