SSDI is an earned benefit that offers vital protection to millions of workers. Unlike other forms of financial
assistance, SSDI isn’t a handout; it’s a program that workers have paid into through their payroll tax
contributions. In exchange for these contributions, over 161 million workers are eligible for SSDI benefits
if they experience a severe, long-lasting medical impairment that prevents them from working. It cannot
be stressed enough how important this safety net is for the American workforce.
Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the SSDI program is crucial to honor the promises made to these
workers who have earned their benefits. Without SSDI, many workers would face a difficult struggle to
support themselves and their families during times of severe health challenges.