Legal and Financial Requirements for SSDI

Social Security Disability Work Credits (SSDI)

You must pass a recent work test and a duration of work test in order to be insured for SSDI.

Income Limits for SSDI Benefits

While you can have any amount of unearned income and still be eligible for SSDI, you can earn only a small amount of money through work each month.

Do You Have to Be a Citizen to Get Social Security Disability?

Immigrants who are permanent residents or lawfully present foreign workers and have paid taxes into the Social Security system are often eligible for disability benefits.

How Impairment-Related Work Expenses Affect Social Security Disability

Disability-related expenses can lower your income enough to qualify for Social Security disability benefits or SSI.

Deducting Disability-Related Expenses From Your Countable Income for SSDI or SSI

You can deduct IRWEs from your self-employment income or wages.

Can I Get Social Security Disability If I Haven't Worked in a Long Time?

There are ways to get SSDI or SSI disability even if you haven't worked for a long time.

Can Someone Claim Social Security Disability If They Have Never Worked?

SSDI is a program for disabled workers and their families. Those who have never worked may be eligible for SSI.

What If I Don't Have Enough Work Credits for Social Security Disability Benefits?

If you haven't worked enough to qualify for SSDI, you may be able to get SSI benefits.

What Is the Date Last Insured (DLI) for Disability Benefits?

In order to qualify for SSDI, you need to show that you were disabled before your date last insured.

Is There a Social Security Disability Asset Limit?

Question I have a fair amount of equity in my house, two cars, and $1,000 cash in the bank. Is this above the asset limit for Social Security disability? Answer The Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) program has no asset limit—but, the Social Security Administration operates two separate disability

Can a Retired Person Also Collect Social Security Disability?

Social Security disability insurance is really a form of early retirement benefits, so you can't receive both at the same time.

What Is the Disability Freeze?

The disability freeze ignores years with poor earnings due to disability for the purposes of SSDI eligibility.

Do You Have to Be a Citizen to Get Social Security Disability?

Immigrants who are permanent residents or lawfully present foreign workers and have paid taxes into the Social Security system are often eligible for disability benefits.

Can You Get Food Stamps While on Disability?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is not based on having a limited income. In order to be eligible for SSDI, you must have worked a certain length of time and paid Social Security taxes.

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability

Nolo's Guide to Social Security Disability explains disability eligibility rules and which conditions can qualify for Social Security benefits.