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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Overview

The SSDI program provides monthly cash benefits to people with disabilities who have worked and paid in a certain amount of Social Security/FICA tax.

People who become disabled prior to age 22 may also be able to receive disability insurance benefits if they have a parent who dies, retires or becomes disabled. This is often referred to as Retirement, Survivors, Disability Insurance (RSDI). SSDI and RSDI have basically the same rules for people with disabilities who work.

People on SSDI/RSDI become eligible for Medicare health coverage 24 months after they begin receiving cash benefits. Since Medicare does not cover long-term care services, such as personal care assistance, many people on SSDI benefits also need Medical Assistance (MA).  There is a specific MA program available to people with disabilities who are working.  It is called Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities or MA-EPD.

Eligibility:

When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or any other program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), SSA will determine which programs, if any, you qualify for. If you are not eligible for SSDI, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or retirement benefits.

SSA will consider the extent of your disability, your previous work history, your current earnings, and your age when determining which benefits are appropriate for you. To apply, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213.

What should I know about SSDI?

  • When receiving SSDI, you should know if you are in your Trial Work Period (TWP), Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), or beyond. This will determine how your benefits are affected
  • Earning over the limits for SSDI, called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), may make you ineligible for an SSDI payment. SGA is $1,000 per month in 2010.
  • There are ways to earn above SGA and still receive a SSDI payment.
  • The start and stop of work, as well as any changes in earnings, need to be reported to your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office.
  • Many other things!

Click here for a flyer that outlines the work incentives for people on SSDI.

For more information on how working affects SSDI benefits, contact the MN Work Incentives Connection.