The Social Security Administration (SSA) was created in the 1930’s as part of the “New Deal” following the Great Depression. The SSA’s purpose was to create a retirement benefit program for American workers. The first SSA field office was opened its doors in in 1936, and today has grown to include 1,230 field offices throughout the country.

The SSA has also expanded the programs it offers. The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program began in 1956. SSDI is an important program that protects American workers in the event that they become disabled. This program has saved millions of workers and their families from financial ruin since it began.

Many things have changed since the SSDI program began, including eligibility requirements and the definition of being “disabled”. However, the basic premise remains that if you work, you are insured for disability benefits including both monthly financial payments as well as access to Medicare. The average monthly financial benefit is approximately $1,165 in 2015 and the maximum monthly amount for an individual is $2,663.