Social Security Disability Insurance — SSDI
A federal insurance program that provides monthly income to workers who become disabled and can no longer engage in substantial gainful activity.
Official source: ssa.gov
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (<a href="/glossary/5-month-waiting-period">SSDI</a>), a person must have a disability that is expected to last for at least 12 months or lead to death. Additionally, they need to have enough <a href="/glossary/work-credits">work credits</a>, usually 40, with 20 of those earned in the last 10 years.There is a mandatory waiting period of five months from when the disability starts before benefits can begin. This means that if someone becomes disabled, they will not receive any payments until five months have passed.After receiving SSDI benefits for 24 months, individuals automatically qualify for Medicare, which helps cover healthcare costs.As of 2025, the average monthly SSDI benefit is around $1,580. It is important to check your claim readiness before filing. Tools like BenefitKarma's SSDI Filing Success Score can help assess your chances of approval.
In real life
- A person who used to work a lot but got very sick and cannot work anymore may get Social Security Disability Insurance.
- Someone who paid Social Security taxes from their paychecks and then became disabled can get money each month.
- A worker who can no longer do their job because of an injury might get Social Security Disability Insurance payments.
Also known as
Take the next step
- → Start a disability application
- → Screen for benefits you may qualify for
- → Try the Tools Ssdi Filing Success Score
- → Guide: How Work Affects Ssdi
- → Guide: Ssdi Essential Guide
- → Article: Understanding Ssdi Disability Your Questions Answered
- → Article: The Ssdi Waiting Period How Long Until You Re Approved
- → Article: Understanding Ssd Benefits Pay Chart
Frequently asked questions about Social Security Disability Insurance
What is 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).
Who qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance?+
Adults under full retirement age who have a qualifying medical condition expected to last 12+ months and who have earned enough recent work credits.
How do I apply for Social Security Disability Insurance?+
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. There's no cost to apply.
Where can I get help?+
Run the SSDI Filing Success Score to check your readiness, then the SSDI Benefit Estimator to size up your monthly payment. Local Social Security field offices can also help you apply at no cost.
Source: ssa.gov