Everyone needs some extra help now and again. For those living with a disability and meeting the work and age limit requirements, Social Security Disability Benefits can offer necessary monthly support.
What is Social Security? What Benefits Does It Offer?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is an agency of the U.S. federal government that offers a range of benefits for those who cannot work, such as older adults or people living with disabilities.
Benefits that Social Security offers include:
- Retirement Benefits
- Survivor Benefits
- Family Benefits
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits
- Disability Benefits
What is Social Security Disability?
Also called:
- SSD
- Social Security Disability Insurance
- SSDI
SSD is a program offering monthly benefits to individuals with a qualifying disability and enough work experience.
What are the Eligibility Requirements for Social Security Disability?
The two primary eligibility requirements for SSDI Benefits are:
- Blindness and/or other qualifying disabling condition
- Enough work history at an eligible job where the person paid Social Security taxes
The disability itself must be substantial enough that it will:
- Result in death,
- Impact the person’s ability to work for over a year, and/or
- Prevent the person, if they can continue to work, from earning above a substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2025, this amount was $1,620/month for people living with disabilities and $2,700/month for blind individuals (with different rules applying for self-employed individuals).
Work requirements, according to the SSA, generally include working “for at least 5 of the last 10 years to qualify for Disability,” with people under 24 potentially having fewer past work requirements.
How Do I Apply for SSDI Benefits?
Where to Apply for SSDI Benefits
Individuals can apply for SSDI Benefits online or set up an in-person appointment to begin the Disability application process by calling +1 800-772-1213 or, for hard-of-hearing/deaf individuals, TTY +1 800-325-0778.
Necessary Information for an SSDI Application
Information that the SSA will ask for includes:
- Basic information about the applicant
- Information about the disabling condition
- Earnings history and information about the past 5 years of work
- Information about any current or previous marriages
- Information about dependent children
- Direct deposit information
SSD FAQs
What Disqualifies You from Receiving Disability?
Reasons people’s Disability claims are denied include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Not being between the ages of 18 to 65
- Not having enough eligible work history
- Earning more than the SGA
- Not meeting the SSA‘s definition of disability
- Not providing the right medical records to prove disability
Can You Get SSI and SSDI Benefits Together?
Yes, in some cases.
Some individuals may be eligible for concurrent SSDS and SSI Benefits, according to USA.gov.
How Long Can I Get Social Security Disability Benefits?
People can generally receive SSDI Benefits until they reach their full retirement age. The full retirement age is 66 for those born between 1943 to 1954, 66 (plus extra months) for those born between 1955 to 1959, and 67 for those born in 1960 or later.
When Do SSDI Benefits Convert to Social Security Retirement Benefits?
SSDI Benefits convert to Social Security Retirement Benefits once the individual reaches their full retirement age, either 66 or 67, depending on their birth year and month.
Does Reaching Retirement Age Affect My Social Security Disability Benefits?
Yes.
Reaching full retirement age (66 or 67) means someone’s SSDI Benefits transition to Social Security Retirement Benefits.
Is There an Age Limit for Social Security Disability?
Yes, there is an effective age limit for Social Security Disability Benefits.
People can apply for SSDI Benefits between the ages of 18 and 65. People will have their SSDI Benefits transition to Retirement Benefits once they reach their full retirement age.
Disclaimer: Each person’s situation is unique. This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. It does not substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or a Social Security Disability lawyer for questions about insurance eligibility.