Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD) is not, so to speak, an “entitlement,” but rather a system funded by workers’ contributions during their working years. Then, if that worker suffers a condition or accident that renders them unable to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA), they can draw on these benefit payments to cover their living expenses while they are unable to work.
To qualify, you need two basic things: a solid work history and a proven disability. Work credits are accumulated by working and paying FICA or SECA taxes. The amount varies depending on your age: the younger you are, the fewer credits are required. But be careful: if your condition doesn’t last at least 12 months or isn’t terminal, you won’t qualify.
Which workers are eligible for SSDI? First, let’s review the technical requirements. In 2025, your income cannot exceed $1,620 per month (or $2,590 if you are legally blind). You must also be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.
If you meet these criteria, the next step is to demonstrate that your disability prevents you from performing any type of paid work, not just the one you previously performed.
But not everyone passes the test. For example, if your disability is temporary or partial, or if you don’t have enough work credits, your application could be rejected. Also excluded are those who earn more than the monthly limit or those whose condition is linked to drug or alcohol use (unless they prove the disability would persist without it).
How much money can you receive from SSDI?
The SSDI amount depends on your past Social Security contributions. In 2025, the monthly maximum is $4,018, but most receive less, closer to the average worker, which is $1,580 per month. The good news: each year there is an inflation adjustment (COLA). In 2025, it was 2.5%, which helps maintain purchasing power in the face of rising prices.
You must meet these conditions to get as close as possible:
- Have a serious disabilityrecognized by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which prevents you from working in any paid employment.
- Not have a monthly income greater than $1,620 in 2025(or $2,590 if you are legally blind).
- Be a US citizen or legal residentwith valid status.
- Having contributed sufficiently to Social Security through formal employment.
A long and consistent work history is also required:
- You must have worked for many years and made contributions constantly to the Social Security system.
- At least are needed35 years of work history, although the ideal for this maximum is that they have beenyears with high salaries and no gaps.
- Only those who have won theSocial Security maximum taxable amount(i.e., the income limit above which Social Security taxes are paid) may reach the higher amount for many years.
- In 2025, that taxable limit is$168,600 a year, which means earning more than$14,000 a monthfor several years.
What happens if your SSDI application is denied?
Now, let’s talk about denials. Did you know that 61% of initial applications are rejected? The reasons are varied, but there are clear patterns. Lack of detailed medical evidence is the main one. If you don’t provide reports, treatments, or evidence to support your case, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will have no basis to approve you.
Another common mistake: earning more than allowed by the SSA. Even if you work part-time, exceeding the income limit indicates that you may be engaged in “substantial activity,” which automatically disqualifies you. Skipping medical treatments without justification or failing to cooperate with the SSA (for example, by skipping required exams) also doesn’t help.
If you’re denied SSDI, don’t throw in the towel. You have 60 days to appeal, and the process has four stages. The first is reconsideration, where another examiner reviews your case. Here you can add new medical evidence. If they insist on saying “no,” the next step is a hearing before an administrative law judge.
This hearing is essential: many applications initially rejected are approved here. You’ll be able to explain your situation in person, present witnesses, and bolster your case with updated documents. If the judge also denies your application, you can still request a review by the Appeals Council or, as a last resort, take your case to federal court.