SSDI pays monthly benefits to people who cannot work because of a severe medical impairment expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, provided they have earned enough Social Security work credits.
Basic requirements
- You paid FICA taxes through employment or self-employment
- You have the required number of work credits (typically 40, with 20 earned in the last 10 years for workers over 31)
- Your condition meets SSA's disability definition or equals a listed impairment
- You are not engaged in substantial gainful activity (SGA) — $1,090/month in 2015
2015 benefit amounts
- Average monthly benefit: about $1,165
- Maximum monthly benefit: about $2,663
- Past-due benefits (back pay) may be owed from your established onset date
Conditions we see regularly
| Condition | SSA listing reference |
|---|---|
| Degenerative disc disease / spinal stenosis | Listing 1.04 |
| Coronary artery disease / heart failure | Listing 4.00 |
| Major depression / bipolar disorder | Listing 12.04 |
| Cancer (active treatment or residual effects) | Listing 13.00 |
| Multiple sclerosis | Listing 11.09 |
| Diabetes with neuropathy or organ damage | Listing 11.00 |
Even if your diagnosis is not in the listings, you may still qualify through a medical-vocational allowance. Ask us to review your records.