Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is not a gift, but it is a key support if your health has you out of action. Of course, you need medical papers that confirm that you are in survival mode. Isn’t that your case? Pass the information on to someone who needs it. Sometimes people don’t even know what qualifies and continue to suffer in silence.
This month, the last group of SSDI benefits to collect are those with birthdays from the 21st to the 31st: their day is February 26th. The rest (those who turn their birthday between the 1st and 10th of any month, and those who turn their birthday between the 11th and 20th) have already received their payment. If you don’t see anything in your account after that date, call the SSA.
The step-by-step of SSDI disability benefits
The maximum is $4,018, but that’s like being a unicorn: it only applies if you have been contributing a huge salary for 35 years and were born before 1954. For the rest, the amount goes down depending on your age and contributions. But be careful, even if you don’t reach the top, it helps to cover the basics.
Qualifying for SSDI depends on two steps:
- Your health: Serious fractures, heart attacks, severe depression… Whatever, as long as it lasts +1 year and you have papers to back it up. The SSA has a “Blue Book” with all valid conditions (and no, a cold is not on the list).
- Your work credits: You need 40 in total, and 20 must be from the last 10 years. Each credit in 2025 is earned with $1,810. If you stopped working more than a decade ago, things get complicated… Unless you are young and the SSA gives you an exceptional pass (but don’t trust yourself).
Can you receive SSI and SSDI at the same time? Yes, and we explain how
There are cases in which a person can qualify for both programs: SSDI (for your work contributions) and Supplemental Security Income, or SSI (extra support for low income). The key? Meet the requirements of both. That is, having a severe disability + having worked enough for SSDI and having very limited income and assets for SSI.
Think of someone who can no longer work, contributed years to the system, but now lives hand to mouth. That’s where the combo of these two benefits comes in.
SSI has strict limits: In 2025, if you earn more than $943 a month (or have assets over $2,000), you don’t qualify. But if your SSDI payment is low (for example, $800), SSI could make up the difference. Of course, the SSA reviews everything with a magnifying glass: even what a family member lends you counts as income.
If you are approved for both, you will receive a combined deposit, but be careful! Sometimes SSDI reduces the SSI amount. Complicated? A little, but it’s worth it if it helps you breathe.