Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a government assistance program that provides financial assistance to individuals who cannot work due to a long-term disability, illness, or terminal condition. To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned a certain amount of work credits over time. You must also be able to show the government that you are unable to earn a living wage due to your condition.

Of course, this is sometimes easier said than done. Unfortunately, many applicants are unfairly denied due to an array of reasons. If you need help applying for SSDI or appealing an SSDI denial, Pond Lehocky can help. Reach out to one of our Social Security attorneys for a free consultation to learn more.

Social Security Disability Eligibility Requirements

To receive SSDI benefits, you must have a disability or illness that prevents you from working. The Social Security Administration requires the disability or illness to be expected to be terminal or last at least a year to qualify. They also verify the amount you make per month. As of now, $1,310 is the limit on monthly income to qualify.

You must also show you have a history of paying income taxes byway of a work credit system. The value of a work credit is adjusted with inflation, but generally, a person who has earned at least $20,000 in the last 20 years is eligible.

What Is Covered by Social Security Disability?

If you qualify for SSDI, you may be eligible for several individual benefits, including:

• Monthly benefits: The most immediate SSDI benefit is a monthly payment designed to be used as you see fit.
• Medicare coverage: SSDI also covers certain medical expenses including doctor’s appointments, emergency room visits, medications, and medical devices.
• Dependent benefits: If you have dependents, SSDI can help you cover the cost of childcare.
• Vocational rehab: Vocational rehabilitation services are also available to SSDI recipients. These services help individuals find employment that meets their individual needs.

What Is the Max Social Security Disability Benefit?

The amount of SSDI benefits you will receive depends on how much you earned over your work history. The more you make, the more you will receive through SSDI.

However, there is a cap on the amount you receive in monthly payments. This amount goes up or down depending on inflation. In 2025, the maximum amount you can earn through SSDI is $4,018 a month.

What Is the Average Social Security Disability Payment?

While the maximum amount you can make is around $4,000, unless you have made a large amount of money over the years, you likely will make much less in SSDI benefits. On average, SSDI pays out around $1,500 per month to disabled workers, though this may go up or down depending on your work history.

What Is the Difference Between Social Security Disability and SSI?

In assistance to disability assistance insurance, Social Security also offers an additional disability assistance program to individuals 65 or older. This is known as Supplemental Security Income, or SSI.

The eligibility requirements for SSI are slightly different. Instead of offering benefits based on work history, SSI is designed to benefit low-income seniors. However, if you are younger than 65, you may still qualify for SSI if you have a documented disability, are blind, or have a terminal condition.

You may even be able to receive both SSI and SSDI at the same time.

What Is a Social Security Disability Review?

Once a person begins receiving SSI or SSDI benefits, the Social Security Administration will periodically review their eligibility to determine if they can still receive benefits. The frequency you may be subject to a Social Security continuing disability review depends on your condition and whether or not you are expected to recover. In general, individuals receiving benefits can expect to be reviewed every 1 – 7 years.

A Social Security continuing disability review typically involves sending the SSA your medical and work records to demonstrate your eligibility. If you can demonstrate that your condition is ongoing, you will usually continue to receive benefits. However, if the SSA has questions or suspicions about your condition, they may further their investigation.

They may also disqualify you from benefits. If this happens, you and your lawyer can file an appeal.

Reasons Your Social Security Disability Benefits May Be Denied

Learning that your application has been denied or your benefits have been cut off can be frustrating. The first step to correcting it is learning why you’ve been denied. The SSA will usually send you notice of the denial by mail.

If the letter does not detail the reason for denial, you can call the SSA directly. Here are some reasons you may be denied benefits:

• Lack of medical evidence of a disability.
• Earning too much per month.
• Failing to seek sufficient medical treatment for your disability.
• Ignoring communications from the SSA.
• Drug or alcohol abuse.

If you have been denied benefits, you still have options. In most cases, you will have the chance to appeal the SSA’s decision. However, there are strict deadlines for doing this.

In most cases, you will need to file an appeal within 10 days of the date on your denial notice. As this may be your only chance to reverse the decision, it is best to contact a Social Security lawyer for help.

What Is a Social Security Disability Lawyer?

The process for applying for social security can be challenging. It can also be difficult to maintain your benefits once you are approved. The SSA receives millions of applications every year and it is not uncommon for applicants to be unfairly denied.

A Social Security lawyer is one of the best resources an applicant can have. Whether you are applying for SSI or SSDI for the first time, or you need representation in an appeal, a Social Security lawyer offers a range of services, including:

• Evaluating your eligibility
• Helping you fill out your application
• Compile medical evidence
• Communicate with the SSA on your behalf
• Represents you in appeals
• Prepares you for hearings
• Helps you pursue the maximum level of benefits

Talk to a Social Security Disability Lawyer for Help

Social Security is one of the valuable resources offered by the US government. Without it, individuals with disabilities and senior citizens may struggle to make ends meet.

Unfortunately, accessing these resources is often complicated. If you are having difficulty accessing your benefits or need help applying for SSDI or SSI, we encourage you to contact our firm. Pond Lehocky can offer you peace of mind knowing that your application is safe and that your review will accurately represent your needs.