Social Security Disability Insurance
A federal insurance program that provides monthly income to workers who become disabled and can no longer engage in substantial gainful activity, funded through payroll taxes (FICA).
Eligibility requires: a qualifying disability expected to last 12+ months or result in death; sufficient work credits (typically 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years).
There is a mandatory 5-month waiting period from the onset of disability before benefits begin.
After 24 months of SSDI, you automatically qualify for Medicare.
Average 2025 SSDI monthly benefit: approximately $1,580.
→ Use BenefitKarma's SSDI Filing Success Score to assess your claim readiness before filing.
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Frequently asked questions about Social Security Disability Insurance
What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?+
SSDI is a government program. It gives money every month to people who used to work but can't anymore because of a serious health problem. You pay for it through taxes while you work. These payments are meant to help you and your family when you can no longer earn a living due to your disability.
Who can get Social Security Disability Insurance?+
To get SSDI, you need to have worked for a certain amount of time and paid Social Security taxes. You also must have a health condition that keeps you from doing most types of work. Your condition needs to be expected to last at least a year or lead to death. Your age and recent work history are also important.
How do I apply for Social Security Disability Insurance?+
You can apply for SSDI online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. You will need to provide lots of information about your work history, medical conditions, and doctors. It's a detailed process, and gathering all your records beforehand can help speed things up.
How much money can I get from SSDI?+
The amount of money you get from SSDI each month depends on how much you earned and paid in Social Security taxes over your working years. It's not based on how severe your disability is. The more you earned and paid into Social Security, the higher your monthly benefit will likely be.