Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a work-based benefits program for individuals diagnosed with a long-term disability. To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must be “insured,” which means you have worked long enough and paid enough into Social Security taxes throughout your employment. As you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn what the SSA calls work credits. You can earn up to four work credits each year. As of 2017, one credit is equal to $1,300 in wages, which means you must have earned at least $5,200 throughout the year to accumulate four work credits. To be eligible for SSDI, you will need 40 work credits, 20 of which must have been earned in the last 10 years before you became disabled. The required number, however, will vary depending on your age when you first became disabled. If you became disabled at a young age, you may qualify with fewer credits:

• Before age 24: You may qualify for SSDI benefits if you have earned six credits within a three-year period ending when your disability started.
• Age 24 to 31: You may qualify if you have credit for working half the time between age 21 and the time you become disabled. For example, if you become disabled at age 29, you would need credit for four years (16 credits) out the past eight years (between ages 21 and 29).
• Age 31 or older: If you were 31-years or older when you first became disabled, you will generally need 20 work credits to qualify.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal monthly financial support program designed for applicants who are disabled but do not meet the work requirements to receive SSDI benefits. SSI benefits are intended for adults and children who meet one of the following requirements:

• 65-years or older
• Blind
• Disabled

To qualify for SSI benefits, you must have little or no income and few available resources. The value of your total assets, which includes everything you own, must be less than $2,000 if you are single, or less than $3,000 for married couples living together. However, the SSA will not include the value of your home, if you live in it, and will likely not consider the vehicle you drive. As of 2024, the monthly maximum Federal amounts paid for SSI benefits are:

• $943 for eligible individuals
• $1,415 for eligible married couples
• $1,415 for eligible married couples

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