Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is not a free government handout. It’s a support system that workers pay into during their working years. If you ever become seriously disabled and can’t work, SSDI can provide monthly payments to help with your living expenses.
What Is SSDI and Who Pays for It?
SSDI is funded by your Social Security taxes — the money you and your employer pay into the system through FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) or SECA if you’re self-employed. If you develop a health condition that makes it impossible to do any substantial paid work for at least 12 months, or if your condition is terminal, SSDI benefits may apply.
Who Can Qualify for SSDI?
To qualify, you must meet two basic requirements:
1. A Strong Work History
You need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes for several years. The number of required work credits depends on your age. The younger you are, the fewer credits you need.
2. A Serious Disability
Your disability must be severe enough that you cannot do any paid job, not just the one you used to do.
Also, there are income and citizenship rules:
- In 2025, your monthly income must not be more than $1,620 (or $2,590 if you are legally blind).
- You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident with valid immigration status.
What Can Disqualify You from SSDI?
There are a few situations where your application could be rejected:
- If your condition is temporary or partial (meaning it will improve soon or only limits you a little).
- If you have not earned enough work credits over the years.
- If your income is above the monthly limit set by SSA.
- If your disability is related to alcohol or drug use and you cannot prove it would exist without those substances.
- If you miss treatments or skip SSA medical exams without valid reasons.
How Much Can You Get from SSDI?
The amount you receive from SSDI is based on your past earnings. In 2025:
- The maximum monthly payment is $4,018.
- The average monthly payment most people receive is around $1,580.
There’s good news: SSDI benefits are adjusted every year for inflation. In 2025, there was a 2.5% increase through the COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment), which helps protect your spending power.
To get the highest possible payment, you need:
- A long and steady work history (ideally 35 years).
- High yearly earnings without gaps in your career.
- To have earned at or above the Social Security taxable maximum for several years. In
- 2025, this limit is $168,600 per year (about $14,000 per month).
What If Your SSDI Application Is Denied?
More than 61% of initial SSDI applications are rejected. Common reasons include:
- Lack of clear medical documents or treatment records.
- Earning more than the income limit, even from part-time jobs.
- Missing appointments, treatments, or SSA exams.
But don’t worry — you have 60 days to appeal the decision. There are four stages of appeal:
1. Reconsideration
Another examiner reviews your case. You can submit new medical evidence.
2. Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge
This is your chance to explain your case in person, bring witnesses, and present updated medical documents.
3. Appeals Council Review
If the judge denies your claim, you can ask the SSA Appeals Council to take another look.
4. Federal Court
As a last option, you can take your case to court.