{"id":352966,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:35","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/private-disability-insurance-vs-ssdi.html"},"modified":"2024-04-11T14:08:08","modified_gmt":"2024-04-11T19:08:08","slug":"private-disability-insurance-vs-ssdi","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/private-disability-insurance-vs-ssdi.html","title":{"rendered":"Private Disability Insurance vs. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Private Disability Insurance vs. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lark Lewis, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Private disability insurance and Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) are both potential sources of income if you sustain a disability that prevents you from working.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Disability insurance\u00a0can help lessen the economic hardship you face when you can’t work due to a disabling impairment.<\/p>\n

SSDI can give you important protections if you’ve contributed to Social Security for long enough. But eligibility for SSDI benefits requires meeting a strict definition of \u201ctotal disability.” In many situations, private disability insurance may offer more liberal coverage and benefits.<\/p>\n

This article discusses the basics of Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) and private disability insurance. It also addresses scenarios where you might receive both disability benefits.<\/p>\n

If you need help with a private insurance policy, employer-sponsored insurance plan, or Social Security benefits, a disability lawyer<\/a> can guide you. They can provide clear legal advice if you need to claim benefits for a disability.<\/p>\n

Social Security Disability Benefits<\/h2>\n

Social Security disability insurance<\/a>\u00a0(SSDI) covers 150 million workers. Over 8 million people are collecting benefits. Anyone who has worked a sufficient amount of time while contributing to Social Security is covered by SSDI. Benefits are paid monthly, with the\u00a0average disabled worker receiving $1,537<\/a>\u00a0in monthly benefits.<\/p>\n

To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must show you meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA)\u00a0strict definition of disability<\/a>. You must show:<\/p>\n