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Social Security is funded through a dedicated payroll tax paid by employers and employees. Social Security funds finance three distinct benefit programs that provide monthly payments to retired individuals aged 62 and older, individuals with limited income and resources, and individuals who are blind or disabled.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, you may qualify for Social Security. A Social Security Disability attorney with our law firm can help you apply or appeal denied claims.
Payroll Taxes Fund Social Security
Social Security funds come from a payroll tax assessed against employers and employees. The tax rate is set by law and divided among two Social Security trust funds: the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund (OASI) and the Disability Insurance Trust Fund (DI).
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), employers and employees each pay 6.2 percent of wages annually (12.4 percent for the self-employed) up to the taxable maximum, set at $176,100 in 2025. Of this 6.2 percent, 5.3 percent goes to the OASI and 0.9 percent goes to the DI. As of 2023, the funds held a combined $1.351 trillion, $51 billion from taxes and $67 billion in interest.
Who Qualifies for Social Security?
Social Security encompasses three different programs: Social Security Retirement benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Most people who have paid Social Security taxes for 10 or more years can begin collecting Retirement benefits at age 62. There are more specific qualifications for SSDI and SSI, including:
- SSDI – SSDI provides payments to individuals who are unable to work (either permanently or temporarily) due to a disabling medical condition. Workers are “insured” through SSDI via their payroll tax contributions. You are eligible for SSDI if you have a qualifying medical issue and enough earned work credits.
- SSI – SSI provides payments to individuals with limited income and resources who are aged 65 and older, blind, or disabled. You do not have to have work credits to qualify, but your monthly wages and the assets you possess must be below the program’s financial limits.
If you are seeking SSDI or SSI based on disability, you will need to meet the SSA’s disability requirements. The SSA considers you disabled if you have a severe medical condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and your condition leaves you unable to work at the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level.
How to Apply for Social Security
Applying for Social Security Disability is a complex process, and many initial benefits claims get denied by the SSA. To qualify, you will need to prove that you are a U.S. citizen or a lawful alien resident, provide detailed information about your income and work history, and show that you are medically eligible if you are seeking SSDI or SSI based on disability.
What to Do if Your Claim Is Denied
Many Social Security applicants get denied because they fail to provide the SSA with sufficient documentation regarding their work history, income, assets, or medical condition. You have the right to appeal if you believe there was an error. A Social Security Disability lawyer with our firm can guide you through the process, which may include:
- A request for reconsideration of the SSA’s initial determination
- An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) hearing
- A request for an Appeal Council Review of the ALJ ruling
- Filing an action in a federal U.S. District Court
Contact Disability Advocates Group Florida
Disability Advocates Group Florida fights for individuals seeking SSDI or SSI. We know how important these benefits are to protecting your health and future if you have a severe injury or medical condition and cannot work. We are here to guide you through the challenging application or appeals process, providing you with resources and support every step of the way. To learn more, contact us online or call today for a free consultation.