Eligibility Requirements

• Medicare disability combines the financial assistance benefits awarded through the Social Security disability program with the health insurance benefits provided through the Medicare program. Social Security benefits provide a monthly monetary allowance to eligible individuals based on their work history. Under the disability program, Medicare coverage provides health insurance benefits to individuals unable to work because of a disabling condition. In effect, an individual qualifying for Social Security disability benefits becomes automatically eligible for Medicare coverage.
  
  

Physical Capacity

• When considering an applicant's eligibility status, the Social Security review board examines overall physical capacity within different areas of life. Disabilities preventing individuals from carrying out everyday tasks, such as sitting, walking or remembering things, typically fall within qualification guidelines. A disabling condition must also affect a person's ability to perform work-related tasks for prolonged time periods. Eligible applicants must also provide medical documentation that shows they have lived with a disabling condition for a minimum of one year.
  
  

Work History

• The Social Security disability program is funded through payroll deductions made when recipients were actively involved in the workforce. To qualify, applicants must have worked anywhere from 1.5 to 9.5 years, during which time payroll deductions were taken. In cases where a person does not meet the work history requirements, the Social Security Administration administers another benefit program. Eligible applicants lacking a work history may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Anyone qualifying for SSI receives health coverage benefits through Medicaid, not Medicare.
  
  

Waiting Periods

• Medicare disability benefits consist of two waiting periods --- before recipients receive Social Security disability benefits and before Medicare benefits begin. Individuals qualifying for disability benefits must wait five months before monthly allowance payments begin. The Social Security review board uses this period to confirm the person has a long-term disability. Afterwards, recipients enter a 24-month qualifying period before Medicare benefits begin. This waiting period allows time for any employer-sponsored health coverages to expire before Medicare health coverage begins. In effect, the total waiting period time before both Medicare and disability benefits begin is 30 months.