Should you become injured in an on-the-job accident that renders you unable to work, you may be able to collect Social Security disability insurance benefits. The National Academy of Social Insurance explains that you must meet twocriteria in order to obtain these benefits.
The first criterion is that your job was covered by Social Security and that both you and your employer paid into the SS system. The second criterion is that your on-the-job injury was serious enough that you are now disabled and can no longer perform either your job or any other type of work. Additionally, you must have been disabled for a minimum of 12 months before you can collect SSDI benefits.
SSDI injury types
SSDI benefits apply to numerous physical and mental conditions, but in recent years the percentages have broken down in the following manner:
- Back injuries and other musculoskeletal conditions – 32%
- Mental conditions – 31%
- Nervous system conditions – 9%
- Circulatory system conditions – 8%
People suffering from cancer, diabetes, debilitating injuries or infectious or respiratory diseases account for the remaining 20% of SSDI payments.
SSDI benefit amount
The amount of SSDI benefits you will receive will depend on the average annual salary or wage you received during your work life. In 2018, the average monthly disability check amounted to $1,197, which translates to $14,364 annually.
Statistics show that approximately 30% of disabled workers who receive SSDI benefits live near, at or below the poverty level. SSDI payments account for over half the annual income of 82% of these, while for 37%, SSDI payments represent their only income source.
This is general educational information and not intended to provide legal advice.
