In the United States, 26% of adults have some type of disability according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In some cases, these disabilities prevent the affected individuals from working and earning a living.

If you are one of the millions who cannot work because of a disabling condition, you need to be able to answer the question, what is SSDI? SSDI benefits can provide you with the money you need to make ends meet when an illness, disability or injury prevents you from earning income.

This guide to SSDI explains what this benefits program is, how it works and how you can qualify to get disability benefits to provide for yourself and your loved ones.

What Is SSDI?

SSDI stands for Social Security Disability Insurance. It is an earned benefit that you become eligible for by paying Social Security taxes on earnings throughout the course of your career.

SSDI is available if you have a serious disability that prevents you from working and, depending on your circumstances, it could provide for you until you reach retirement age.

SSDI vs. SSI

SSDI is one of two programs offered by the Social Security Administration to provide for people who are disabled. SSI is the other. SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. There are important differences between these two programs, including the following:

  • While SSI and SSDI are both available for disabled people, SSI is also available to aged individuals as well. SSDI is only for those who are too disabled to work.
  • SSDI is an earned benefit, which means you must have worked and paid a certain amount into the system to qualify.
  • SSI is not an earned benefit and any disabled or older American can potentially qualify for it.
  • SSDI can sometimes provide more monthly income than SSI as SSDI benefits are based on your earnings history.
  • SSDI is not means tested and even people with substantial personal or family assets can qualify. SSI is means-tested and is designed for lower income individuals with few resources (less than $2,000 in countable assets for individuals).

It is also important to understand that SSDI and SSI are separate from Social Security retirement which you can receive when you retire if you have earned it. It is crucial to choose the right disability program to apply for if you become too sick or hurt to work and need help from Social Security.

Who Qualifies for SSDI?

There are certain specific requirements that you must meet in order to be eligible for SSDI benefits.

Work Credits

Work credits are earned when you work and pay Social Security taxes. You can earn up to four of them per year depending on how much money you make. You need to have earned a certain amount of work credits to be eligible for SSDI based on your own work history. The exact number you need varies based on the age when you become disabled.

The table below can give you an idea of how much work you need under your belt to get SSDI benefits—although it does not necessarily apply in every situation as the amount you make can affect the credits you earn.

If you become disabled before this age Your work history generally must be at least this long
Before age 28
1.5 years of work
Age 30
2 years
Age 34
3 years
Age 38
4 years
Age 42
5 years
Age 44
5.5 years
Age 46
6 years
Age 48
6.5 years
Age 50
7 years
Age 52
7.5 years
Age 54
8 years
Age 56
8.5 years
Age 58
9 years
Age 60
9.5 years

If you have not worked enough on your own to qualify for SSDI benefits, it is possible you may be able to get them based on a spouse or parent’s work history once they are deceased. A SSDI lawyer can help you to understand when you are eligible to qualify for family benefits.

Substantial Gainful Activity

To qualify for SSDI benefits, you also must not be engaged in substantial gainful activity (SGA). This is defined as earning a set amount of money (which changes over time).

In 2023, you’re considered to be engaged in SGA if you earn at least $1,470 per month or $2,460 per month if you are classified by statute as being blind. If you earn more than this, SSDI isn’t available to you.

Definition of Disability

You must also meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disabled to be eligible for SSDI benefits. There are very specific requirements in order to do that, including the following:

  • Your condition must have lasted for at least 12 months, be expected to last that long or it must be a terminal condition
  • Your condition must be included in the ‘Blue Book” which is the common informal name for the Listing of Impairments the Social Security Administration has deemed severe enough to entitle you to get benefits.
  • If your condition is not in the Blue Book, you must be able to prove it is as severe as those that are.
  • If your condition is in the Blue Book, you must exhibit specific symptoms described in that Listing of Impairments, and must exhibit them in the frequency specified.
  • Your disability must make it impossible for you to do any jobs you’re qualified for and must substantially impair your ability to perform work activities

It can be difficult in many cases to prove that you are actually disabled under the Social Security Administration’s rigid set of guidelines. Be sure you document your injuries or illnesses, the consequences of them and the treatment you receive so you have solid evidence of impairment.

How Can You Apply for SSDI?

You can apply online, by calling 1-8-00-772-1213 or at your local Social Security office to receive SSDI benefits. You will need to provide details about:

  • Your work record including details on earnings and jobs that you have done in the past 15 years
  • Your medical issues including medical records from a specialist in your specific area of disability. For example, if you’re applying for disability benefits based on a heart condition, you would need a cardiologist’s records and test results as well as a list of medications

The more medical evidence you can present, the greater your chances that your claim will be approved and you will be able to get the SSDI income you need.

SSDI Appeals

You should be aware that many claims for SSDI are initially denied. It is very likely you will need to go through an appeals process to try to get benefits. This is a multi-stage process that could include

  • A request for reconsideration, which means you ask a new disability claims examiner to give your application another look
  • A hearing that takes place before an Administrative Law Judge working within the Social Security system
  • An appeal to the Social Security appeals board that operates within the Social Security system
  • Appeal to federal court

You should strongly consider hiring a disability lawyer to help you with this entire process in order to maximize the chances your claim is approved initially or during one of the early stages of appeal.

Get Help From a Social Security Disability Lawyer

If you are disabled, you need to do much more than just ask the question, what is SSDI? Social Security Disability Insurance benefits through this program provide you with a vital lifeline if you cannot work either temporarily or permanently due to a serious medical condition. You need to be sure you have an advocate helping you to understand how to get these benefits and guiding you through your application process.

A Social Security Disability lawyer can help you understand your rights, submit your application, appeal any denials and fight for the money you deserve—and that you have paid into the Social Security system. Contact an SSDI attorney for help as soon as possible if you develop a disability that prevents you from being able to work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

SSDI, or Supplemental Security Disability Insurance, is an earned benefit available to disabled people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a required minimum number of years.

SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is a benefit available to disabled and older Americans who have limited financial resources. It is not based on work history. SSDI can often provide more monthly income, while SSI beneficiaries can become eligible for Medicaid automatically in most states.

What are the benefits of having SSDI?

SSDI benefits can provide money you need to live on if you become too disabled to work. Your benefits are based on your wages earned before becoming disabled and the amount of income you receive can be more generous than benefits available through Social Security’s Supplemental Security Income program. SSDI is also not means-tested, so even if you have substantial resources, you can still get these benefits.

How long does SSDI last?

SSDI benefits can last for as long as you continue to meet the definition of disabled. If you are disabled throughout your career, you can receive SSDI benefits until you become old enough to get Social Security retirement benefits instead.