Social Security Disability Explained
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) covers disabled workers and their dependents. Beneficiaries typically qualify for Medicare after 2 years.
How to Qualify For SSDI Benefits
In order to be eligible for SSDI benefits, an individual must have a medical problem that prevents them from working and the condition must be one that has lasted or is likely to last 12 consecutive months. They will need to provide a proof to SSA that it is their disability that is preventing them from working. During this time, the disabled individual can apply for cash assistance from the state or unemployment benefits.
After receiving SSDI benefits, the disabled may return to the work force without losing their SSDI benefits by taking advantage of the Trial Work Period. This does not apply to SSI. During the trial work period (5 years or 60 months), if the individual makes more than $1,210 per month in 2026 and it continues for 9 accumulative months, he or she will enter phase 2 called Extended Period Eligibility.
After the trial work period is over (60 months or 9 cumulative months if the disabled has earned more than the allowed amount), the disabled individual will have additional 36 months during which they can work and still receive benefits for any month their earnings do not exceed the SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity) limit which is $2,830 for the blind individuals and $1,690 for the non-blind in 2026. This period is called Extended Period Eligibility.
Beginning in the 37th month the EPE ends which means the eligibility for SSDI benefits will end the month the disabled worker’s countable gross income exceeds the SGA limit. However, if the individual becomes disabled again after EPE, they will have a period time called “expedited reinstatement” in which they won’t need to reapply for SSDI.
Important Notes on Social Security Disability:
If a disabled breadwinner has earned Social Security coverage and qualifies for disability, benefits may go to the following dependents;
- A Spouse who is at least 62 years old.
- A Spouse at any age who is caring for the disabled worker’s child who is younger than 16 or disabled.
- A disabled widow or a widower who is at least 50 years old.
- A biological child, adopted child or a stepchild who is unmarried and not yet 18 (or 19 if not graduated from high school) or unmarried adult child who is 18 or older and became disabled before the age of 22.
You may receive a benefit that is 100 percent of your PIA. SSDI benefits are not reduced for age and are switched to Retirement benefits when you reach your FRA. The benefit amount stays the same.
Summary
Social Security Disability is difficult to get, but extremely helpful for those who get accepted. Its extremely important to track when your Medicare Part B benefits will start when you’re on SSDI. Contact us or schedule an appointment to compare the plans in your area.
