United States Benefit

Social Security Disability Insurance

Also known as: SSDI, Disability Insurance

SSDI pays benefits to you and certain family members if you are "insured," meaning you worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.

At a Glance

  • Must have a medical condition that meets SSA's strictdefinition of disability and is expected to ...
  • Must have earned enough recent work credits(generally 20 credits in the last 10 years).
  • Must meet duration of work requirements based on ageat disability onset.
  • Cannot be engaged in substantial gainful activity(earning more than $1,550/month in 2025, or $2,5...
  • + 1 more requirements below

Eligibility Requirements

Disability Determination

Required

Must have a medical condition that meets SSA's strictdefinition of disability and is expected to last at least12 months or result in death.

has_ssa_disability = true

Recent Work Credits

Required

Must have earned enough recent work credits(generally 20 credits in the last 10 years).

recent_work_credits ≥ 20

Duration of Work

Required

Must meet duration of work requirements based on ageat disability onset.

lifetime_work_credits ≥ 6

Substantial Gainful Activity

Required

Cannot be engaged in substantial gainful activity(earning more than $1,550/month in 2025, or $2,590 if blind).

monthly_earnings < 1550 dollars

Under Full Retirement Age

Required

Must be under full retirement age (SSDI converts toretirement benefits at full retirement age).

age < 67

Ruleset effective: 2024-01-01

Quick Info

Agency
SSA
Category
Disability
Last Verified
2026-01-13

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