Generally, your eligibility for this insurance coverage is based on if you worked at least five years within the past 10 years before your disability started. This depends on your age at the onset of your disability. The five years doesn’t have to be consecutive but must equal at least 20 calendar quarters within the previous 40 calendar quarters. In order to receive DIB coverage, your disability must have started during the period when your disability insurance was in place.

In regards to how much you will receive in monetary amounts for your benefits, it depends on how long you worked and how much you earned during that work period. The longer you work and the more you earn will equal a bigger benefit amount you receive. Additionally, DIB claims do not have household income restrictions. Even if your spouse works and financially supports your household, you are still entitled to DIB if you have a disability.

In order to qualify for SSI benefits, you must be found medically disabled and meet financial requirements. The disability rules for SSI and DIB are the same. In addition to having a medical disability, you must have a very small amount of household income or property resources under SSI regulations. If your income or resources exceed the maximum limit allowed under SSI rules, you cannot qualify for the benefits. It is important to remember that SSI benefits are intended for disabled people who need minimal economic relief, but wouldn’t be able to gain financial assistance otherwise.

This disability benefits program is in place for widows or widowers who meet certain regulations set by Social Security. Those married to someone who paid Social Security tax qualify for this program. If the widow is 50 to 59 years old and married their spouse for at least 10 years also determines eligibility for benefits. Additionally, proving a medical disability and that the disability started within seven years of their spouse dying are requirements for benefits.

Children who are 18 or older can receive Social Security benefits if they have a disability. Their parent must also have worked long enough to receive disability benefits or is deceased. The disability requirements for a disabled adult child is the same as the adult requirements. In order for someone to qualify for DAC, they must have a medical condition (disability) which began before age 22 and makes them unable to work. A qualifying medical condition must last at least 12 months or result in death.