SSDI is the disability insurance program. If an individual is a qualified worker (worked and
paid into the Social Security system) and then becomes disabled, he/she will qualify as a disabled
worker under SSDI. In addition, there is a program called Social Security for a Disabled Adult
Child (SSDAC) in which the disabled adult child of a qualified worker can receive benefits. A
disabled adult child is a person over 18 who has a disability that occurred prior to age 22 and
who is the beneficiary of a qualified worker (usually a parent) who is deceased, retired or
disabled. SSDI and SSDAC have the same regulations and rules for eligibility and maintenance
of benefits. Persons eligible for SSDI and SSDAC are also eligible for Medicare after a 24-
month waiting period. The amount of benefit a person receives as an SSDI recipient is based on
earnings and number of quarters worked. It will vary from individual to individual.