Income and Social Security
SSDI (disability)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays a monthly benefit if a medical condition keeps you from working and you worked long enough in jobs that paid Social Security taxes. After 24 months of disability benefits you get Medicare, and at full retirement age SSDI becomes a retirement benefit with no reduction.
How to apply
- In person
- At your local Social Security office. You can also apply by phone.
Applying is free. Nobody should charge you to apply.
Apply on the official siteWho may qualify
| Earnings that count as substantial work, not blind (2026) | More than $1,690 a month |
|---|---|
| Earnings that count as substantial work, not blind (2027) | More than $1,770 a month |
| Earnings that count as substantial work, blind (2026) | More than $2,830 a month |
| Earnings that count as substantial work, blind (2027) | More than $2,950 a month |
| Recent work needed, in most cases | At least 20 work credits in the 40 calendar quarters ending when your disability began |
| What decides it | Your age, your disability and how long you worked Source: USAGov (U.S. General Services Administration) (source 2) |
What you may get
| Medicare | Part A and Part B start automatically after 24 months of disability benefits Source: Medicare.gov (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) (source 3) |
|---|---|
| At full retirement age | Your disability benefit becomes a retirement benefit, with no reduction |
| Family members | Your spouse or former spouse and your children may be eligible for benefits Source: USAGov (U.S. General Services Administration) (source 2) |
| Cost-of-living increase for 2027 | 3.6%, starting with benefits paid in January 2027 Source: Social Security Administration, in the Federal Register (source 1) |
Dates, renewals and waiting lists
| Waiting period | 5 full calendar months before benefits can start |
|---|
Good to know
- If you or your spouse worked for a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772.
Source: Medicare.gov (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) (source 3)
What people get wrong
MythI can't get SSDI and SSI at the same time.
Not true. Depending on your situation, you may be able to get both, and you can apply for both together.
Sources
- Social Security Administration, in the Federal Register, Cost-of-Living Increase and Other Determinations for 2027 (91 FR 67380) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- USAGov (U.S. General Services Administration), SSDI and SSI benefits for people with disabilities (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Medicare.gov (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), How do I sign up for Medicare? (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Social Security Administration, POMS RS 00615.010: Chart on Reduced Benefits (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Social Security Administration, POMS RS 00301.120: DIB Insured Status (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Social Security Administration, POMS DI 10501.015: Tables of SGA Earnings Guidelines and Effective Dates Based on Year of Work Activity (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Social Security Administration, POMS DI 10105.070: Waiting Period for Disability Insurance Benefits (DIB) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Social Security Administration, POMS GN 03101.010: Time Limit for Filing Administrative Appeals (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
Was this page helpful?
Report an error on this page
Newsletter
Get an email when the rules change
Benefit figures, deadlines and rules change every year. We'll tell you what changed and what to check, about twice a month.
- Free, about twice a month
- One-click unsubscribe in every email
- We never sell or share your email