Question 1

Who qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Accepted Answer

You generally qualify if you have worked long enough to earn the right number of work credits, paid Social Security taxes, and have a medical condition that prevents you from working at a substantial level for at least twelve months. Most adults need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last ten years.

Question 2

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?

Accepted Answer

SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes you paid. SSI is a needs-based program for people with very limited income and assets, no work history required. Some people qualify for both. They have different payment amounts, health coverage, and rules.

Question 3

How much does SSDI pay each month?

Accepted Answer

SSDI payments are based on your lifetime earnings, not your disability. The average benefit is around $1,500 a month, with a maximum near $3,800. Our free SSDI estimator uses Social Security's formula to give you a personal estimate based on your work history.

Question 4

Why do most SSDI applications get denied the first time?

Accepted Answer

About two-thirds of initial SSDI claims are denied, usually for missing medical evidence, gaps in treatment, doing too much work activity, or failing to follow prescribed treatment without a good reason. Most people who keep going and request a hearing are eventually approved.

Question 5

What is SGA and how much can I work while applying?

Accepted Answer

Substantial Gainful Activity, or SGA, is the income limit Social Security uses to decide if you are working too much to qualify. In 2025 the SGA limit is $1,620 a month for non-blind applicants. Earning above SGA almost always leads to a denial. Our SGA checker shows you exactly where you stand.

Question 6

What is Date Last Insured and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

Date Last Insured, or DLI, is the last date you have enough recent work credits to qualify for SSDI. If your disability started before your DLI, you can still qualify even if you apply later. If it started after, you do not qualify for SSDI no matter how disabling the condition is.

Question 7

How long does an SSDI decision take?

Accepted Answer

Initial decisions average three to six months. Reconsideration takes another three to five months. A hearing before an Administrative Law Judge often takes one to two years from request. Appeals can stretch the full timeline past three years, which is why strong initial evidence matters so much.

Question 8

Should I hire a disability lawyer?

Accepted Answer

Most people do not need a lawyer for the initial application. At the hearing level, representation roughly doubles approval rates. Disability attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win. The fee is capped by federal law at 25% of back pay, up to a set maximum.

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