Work History Requirements

SSDI is designed for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to be “insured” under the system. You earn “work credits” through employment or self-employment.

• • In 2026, you earn one work credit for every $1,890 in earnings.
  • Most adults need about 40 credits (about 10 years of work) to be fully insured.
  • Some older or younger workers need fewer credits, depending on when they became disabled.

Medical Requirements

In addition to work history, SSDI applicants must show they have a severe, medically determinable impairment. This impairment must:

• • Keep you from working at a substantial level, and
  • Be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

This is a strict standard. SSA will review your medical records, lab tests, doctor statements, and how your condition limits your ability to perform work.

When SSDI Benefits Begin

SSDI benefits don’t start immediately. There is a 5-month waiting period from the onset of your disability before benefits begin. That means even if Social Security approves your claim, you won’t receive your first check until at least the sixth full month after your disability began.

This waiting period can be difficult for many families, especially if you’ve already stopped earning income due to your condition.

How SSDI Interacts With Retirement Benefits

If you become disabled before full retirement age, SSDI can eventually convert to retirement benefits once you reach that age. Your total disability benefit does not disappear; instead, it becomes part of your retirement benefit calculation.

In many situations, applying for SSDI before claiming early retirement results in a larger monthly benefit over time. That’s because SSDI preserves your higher earning history before age reduction formulas apply.

Work Incentives in SSDI

The SSA includes several work incentives to encourage people to test their ability to work without automatically losing benefits.

One key program is the Trial Work Period (TWP). During the TWP, you can test your ability to work for up to nine months (not necessarily consecutive) while still receiving full SSDI benefits.

After the TWP, you enter an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE). During the EPE, benefits continue for any month your earnings fall below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,690 per month for most workers and $2,830 for blind workers.

These rules help people stay connected to SSDI while testing their ability to return to work.

Other Rules That Affect SSDI Benefits

Several factors can affect your monthly SSDI benefit or whether benefits continue:

Earnings and Work Activity: If you work and earn above the SGA limit after your TWP and EPE, the SSA may determine you are no longer disabled, and benefits can end.

Workers’ Compensation or Other Public Benefits: Payments from workers’ compensation or other public disability benefits can reduce your SSDI benefits under offset rules.

Substance Use Conditions: SSDI can be denied or discontinued if substance use plays a direct role in the disability determination.

SSDI vs. SSI: What’s the Difference?

It’s common to confuse SSDI and SSI, but they are fundamentally different programs. SSDI is an earned benefit based on work history and payroll taxes. SSI is a safety-net, need-based program for people who are disabled or aged and who have limited income and resources.

SSI eligibility doesn’t depend on work history, though it uses the same medical definition of disability. SSDI also does not impose asset limits.

When people qualify for both SSDI and SSI, they may receive concurrent benefits — but combined payments are limited by SSI rules.

Average Benefits and Cost-of-Living Adjustments

According to recent estimates, as of mid-2025 the average SSDI payment for disabled workers was around $1,580 per month. This is a modest replacement for lost earnings and often essential for covering basic living expenses.

SSI monthly payments have their own standard federal rates. In 2025, the maximum SSI payment was $967 for an individual or $1,450 for a couple.

Both SSDI and SSI benefits may increase annually through cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), which help benefits keep pace with inflation.

Applying for SSDI Benefits

You can apply for SSDI benefits:

• • Online through the SSA website
  • By phone with the SSA
  • In person at a local Social Security office

Successful applications depend on strong medical evidence that proves your impairment meets SSA’s disability definition and how it limits your ability to work. Documentation should include detailed medical records, physician statements, and records of treatments or medications.

SSDI claims can take months or even years to resolve, especially if appeals are necessary. Careful preparation and timely submission of evidence are critical to presenting a strong case.

How Green & Greenberg Helps You With SSDI

Navigating SSDI claims is complex. The rules are technical, evidence requirements are strict, and denials can be common. That’s why many claimants choose to work with experienced disability attorneys.

At Green & Greenberg, we:

• • Prepare and submit SSDI applications with comprehensive medical and vocational evidence.
  • Help clients gather documentation that illustrates the full impact of their impairments.
  • Represent claimants through appeals, including reconsideration and administrative law judge hearings.
  • Stay up to date on SSDI rules and practices so your case reflects current law and SSA expectations.

Having experienced legal guidance can make the difference between a denial and an approval, especially for complex or borderline claims.

If you need help applying or appealing a denial, Green & Greenberg is here to support you every step of the way.

Visit our website for a free consultation today!