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What is federal Disability Insurance? I'm trying to understand what federal Disability Insurance is. Can someone explain it to me? Thanks!
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Federal Disability Insurance, also known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), is a government program in the United States that provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. It is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and is designed to provide income support to disabled individuals and their families. SSDI is different from Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources.

To qualify for federal Disability Insurance, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria. This includes having a disability that prevents them from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is defined as earning a certain amount of income per month. The disability must also be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.

The amount of benefits received through federal Disability Insurance is based on the individual's earnings history and the number of work credits they have accumulated. Work credits are earned based on the individual's income and employment history, and the number of credits required to qualify for benefits depends on the individual's age at the time of disability.

It's important to note that there is a waiting period before individuals can receive federal Disability Insurance benefits. This waiting period is typically five months from the onset of the disability.

If you have further questions or need more information, feel free to ask!
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