Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is not a gift, but it is a valuable resource if your health prevents you from working. Of course, you need medical documentation proving that you are in survival mode. Isn’t this your case? Send the information to someone who needs it. Sometimes people don’t know what qualifies and suffer in silence.
This month, those with birthdays between the 21st and the 31st have the last day to collect SSDI benefits: February 26th. The remainder (those born between the first and tenth of any month, and those born between the eleventh and twentieth) have already received their payment. If you haven’t seen anything in your account since that date, contact the SSA.
The step-by-step of SSDI disability benefits
The maximum is $4,018, but this is like being a unicorn: it only applies if you have been contributing a large salary for 35 years and were born before 1954.
The remaining amount decreases with age and contributions. But be careful: even if you don’t make it to the top, covering the basics is beneficial.
Qualifying for SSDI depends on two steps:
- Your health: Serious fractures, heart attacks, severe depression… Whatever, as long as it lasts +1 year and you have papers to back it up. The SSA has a “Blue Book” with all valid conditions (and no, a cold is not on the list).
- Your work credits: You need 40 in total, and 20 must be from the last 10 years. Each credit in 2025 is earned with $1,810. If you stopped working more than a decade ago, things get complicated… Unless you are young and the SSA gives you an exceptional pass (but don’t trust yourself).
Can you receive SSI and SSDI at the same time? Yes, and we explain how
In some cases, a person may be eligible for both programmes: SSDI (for work contributions) and Supplemental Security Income, or SSI (extra support for low-income individuals).
What’s the key? Meet the requirements of both. That is, having a severe disability combined with enough work for SSDI and very limited income and assets for SSI.
Consider someone who is no longer able to work, has contributed years to the system, but is now living hand to mouth. That’s where the combination of these two advantages comes in.
SSI has strict income limits: in 2025, if you earn more than $943 per month (or have assets worth more than $2,000), you will not be eligible.
However, if your SSDI payment is low (for example, $800), SSI may make up the difference. Of course, the Social Security Administration scrutinises everything; even money borrowed from a family member is considered income.
If you are approved for both, you will receive a combined deposit; however, be cautious! SSDI sometimes reduces the amount of SSI. Complicated? A little, but worth it if it allows you to breathe.
