SSDI — Social Security Disability Insurance

SSDI provides monthly cash benefits to workers who become disabled and can no longer work. Unlike SSI, SSDI is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you've paid — not your current income or assets.

Who qualifies for SSDI?

To qualify for SSDI, you must meet two requirements:

• Work credits: You must have earned enough Social Security work credits. Most people need 40 credits (about 10 years of work), with 20 earned in the last 10 years. Younger workers need fewer credits — if you become disabled before age 31, you may qualify with as few as 6 credits.
• Disability: You must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) — defined as earning more than $1,620/month in 2026 ($2,700/month if blind) — and the condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

SSDI has no income limit and no asset test — what matters is your work history and whether your disability prevents substantial work activity.

How much can I receive?

Your SSDI benefit is calculated from your Average Indexed Monthly Earnings (AIME) — your average monthly earnings over your working years, adjusted for wage inflation. The average SSDI benefit in 2026 is approximately $1,400–$1,600/month. The maximum possible benefit is $4,018/month (2026) for someone with consistently high earnings.

You can get a personalized estimate of your projected SSDI benefit by creating a My Social Security account at SSA.gov.

Medicare eligibility with SSDI

SSDI recipients become eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period from the date their disability benefits begin. This is automatic — you don't need to apply separately. People with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) or End-Stage Renal Disease are exempt from the waiting period.

What documents do I need?

• Social Security number and proof of age
• Contact information for doctors, hospitals, and clinics that have treated you
• Medical records, test results, and treatment history related to your condition
• Employment history for the past 15 years (job titles, duties, dates)
• Most recent W-2s or self-employment tax returns

How to apply for SSDI

Apply through the Social Security Administration (SSA):

• Online: SSA.gov/applyfordisability (fastest)
• Phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778), Monday–Friday 8am–7pm
• In person: at your local Social Security office

Apply as early as possible. Initial decisions take 3–6 months. About 65% of initial applications are denied — if denied, you should strongly consider appealing. At the hearing level, approval rates are significantly higher, especially with legal representation.

Most disability attorneys and advocates work on contingency — no upfront cost, and their fee (capped at 25% of back pay, up to $7,200) is only paid if you win.

Common questions

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

SSDI is based on your work history and the Social Security taxes you've paid. SSI is need-based and does not require any work history. You can receive both if you meet both sets of requirements (called "concurrent benefits"). See our SSI page for more details.

Can I work while receiving SSDI?

You can work during a Trial Work Period (TWP) — 9 months within a 60-month period — without losing benefits, regardless of how much you earn. After the TWP, benefits stop in months you earn above the SGA threshold ($1,620/month in 2026). SSA's Ticket to Work program also provides work incentives and employment supports.

What happens to my SSDI when I turn 65?

At full retirement age (66–67 depending on birth year), your SSDI automatically converts to Social Security retirement benefits. The monthly payment amount stays the same.

Can family members receive benefits based on my SSDI?

Yes. Your spouse (if age 62+ or caring for your child under 16), divorced spouse (if married 10+ years), and children under 18 (or 19 if still in high school) may each receive up to 50% of your SSDI benefit, subject to a family maximum.