Table 8, Annual Statistical Report on the Social Security Disability Insurance Program, 2007, Office of Policy, released September 2008. Available at http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/statcomps/di_asr/2007/di_asr07.xls based on Social Security Administration, Disabled Beneficiaries and Dependents Master Beneficiary Record file, 100 percent data, U.S. Census Bureau, 2007 estimates of resident population.

SSDI: Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal entitlement program that provides disability payments to individuals (and in certain instances to their surviving spouses and children) who have been (a) deemed medically disabled due to a physical or mental impairment that prevents them from working for a year or more or that is expected to result in death; and who (b) have earned enough work credits to receive SSDI payments (the number of credits needed depends on age). Federal law requires a 5-month waiting period after becoming disabled before receipt of SSDI cash benefits. SSDI recipients are eligible for Medicare coverage following an additional 24-month waiting period, resulting in a total of 29 months before receipt of health benefits through Medicare for SSDI recipients.