The Social Security Administration supports those who need financial assistance in retirement or when a disability appears. SSDI stands for Social Security Disability Insurance and it allows Americans to get monthly checks while they cannot work.
Of course, not all Americans with a disability can receive SSDI benefits. This is because not all disabilities meet the strict definition of disability that Social Security has given.
Even if your disability meets the strict definition that the Social Security Administration has set, you may still not qualify. So, while some Americans can opt for SSDI, others have to look for alternatives to get money since they are not eligible for these payments.
Why can’t I qualify for SSDI even if I have a qualifying disability?
Social Security benefits require Americans to have worked for at least ten years. What is more, during those ten years, you must have had enough earnings to get at least 40 work credits.
Only those who have 40 work credits can get retirement benefits and sometimes SSDI benefits. However, Social Security allows some beneficiaries to get disability benefits if they do not have enough work credits.
The reason why you may get SSDI even if you have not worked enough is your age. Still, you will have to work for some time to get monthly payments from Social Security.
For example, if you are under the age of 28 you must have worked for 1.5 years. A 60-year-old person will need to have worked for at least 9.5 years. Therefore, the older you are, the more credits you will need to get SSDI.
How to get SSDI benefits
Summing up, you will have to meet Social Security’s definition of disability and have worked for the minimum number of years. An easy way to check if you qualify for retirement or disability benefits is to check your statement.
Once you download your statement you can see if you qualify for retirement or disability benefits. What is more, you will be able to see the approximate amounts depending on when you file.
Remember that on average SSDI recipients get about $1,489 in 2023. So, do not expect a large payment unless you have earned the taxable maximum for many years. Just in 2023, the taxable maximum is $160,200, and $168,600 in 2024. The maximum amount for it is $3,627 in 2023 and $3,822 in 2024.
In that case, you may receive a larger payment if you have worked for at least 35 years and earned the taxable maximum all that time. Those who have not worked enough can always apply for SNAP benefits and for Supplemental Security Income or SSI. Checks worth up to $914 can be obtained.