In order to qualify for SSDI, you must be unable to work due to a severe medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or more, or result in death.

When you are a worker in the United States, you pay what is called FICA Social Security taxes and it is paid to the Social Security Administration. This is one of the itemized taxes that you see taken out of your paycheck each pay period. A portion of the FICA taxes that workers pay is set aside for SSDI (as well as Social Security retirement and Medicare).  SSDI is an entitlement program available to any person who has paid into the Social Security system while working.  SSDI recipients are eligible for Medicare two years after their date of entitlement for Social Security Disability Insurance. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for primarily people 65 and over or younger individuals who are disabled.