If you are waiting for an SSDI disability payment, this week could be your turn. And pay attention: there are people who could take up to $4,018 this month. Do you think it sounds juicy?
Well, we’ll tell you everything you need to know in a simple manner, without too many technicalities, so you can understand everything easily and clearly.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is available to citizens and immigrants in the United States who meet certain criteria.
Provides monthly assistance to people who are injured or have a health condition that prevents them from continuing to work in a profitable occupation.
Each month, the SSA sends three disability insurance payments
Every month (including February) has three key SSDI payment dates, and two groups have already collected. Did it affect you? If not, pay attention because this week is the last chance for you to receive the money you have been waiting for.
- Group 1: Birthdays between the 1st and 10th of any month → they received their money on February 14th.
- Group 2: You have a birthday between the 11th and the 20th → they were paid on February 21st.
- Group 3 (the one missing): Your birthday between the 21st and the 31st → This Wednesday the 28th is your day.
Payments almost always fall on the second, third, or fourth Wednesday of every month. They only change them if there is a holiday involved. But don’t worry, that almost doesn’t happen and in February, in fact, it didn’t happen.
Is the $4,018 for you? Spoiler: probably not, but we’ll tell you why
Yes, that number sounds like “I’m buying a house!”, but the reality is more modest. That figure is the maximum given by the SSDI, and only applies if:
- You have been working for 35 years (yes, thirty-five).
- You had a high salary all that time.
- You were born before 1954 (if you are younger, the retirement age goes up and the amount goes down).
The remaining beneficiaries will receive a lower amount. Don’t make fun of her; even if she’s not a millionaire, she provides basic necessities like food, medicine, and services.
Here comes the “trick” that not everyone knows: you need 40 work credits to qualify. It sounds like a board game, but it’s simple:
- In 2025, each credit is earned with $1,810 of income.
- You can obtain up to 4 credits a year (that is, earning $7,240 a year you already take them out).
- 20 of those 40 credits must be from the last 10 years before applying.
Are you young and you don’t even have half of it? The SSA sometimes makes exceptions, but don’t count on it. Better add work credits as quickly as possible because retirement or SSDI insurance are long-term savings.
Does your medical condition qualify?
The “Blue Book” is Social Security’s extensive list of conditions that qualify for disability benefits. Some of the most common conditions include major depression, disabling anxiety, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Physical problems such as arthritis, chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, or repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome are also considered eligible; neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, or stroke complications; heart and lung diseases such as heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension, COPD, or severe asthma; and diseases such as cancer or HIV, even if you are receiving treatment but are unable to work.
Simply having a diagnosis is insufficient. You must demonstrate that your condition prevents you from working long-term (minimum 12 months). A two-week sprain does not count, of course.
What happens if you fulfill everything?
First, congratulations (although I wish you didn’t need them). Second, prepare the papers. You will need medical records, test results, and even confirmation from your boss or colleagues that you are unable to work. Yes, there is some paperwork involved, but that is how things are.
Mistakes you should not make:
- Apply without reviewing the SSA list: Don’t assume your condition qualifies. Check their website first.
- Underestimating work credits: If you lack them, don’t even try.
- Ignoring payment dates: If you are in group 3 and the money does not arrive this Wednesday, contact the SSA.
And if they reject you the first time… Don’t give up. Many people are rejected at first and succeed after appealing. Get an SSDI lawyer (they charge only if you win the case, usually a percentage of the retroactive amount).
