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Social Security disability

Disability benefits: SSDI and SSI

How to apply, what the money rules are, and how to appeal a denial. Free, in plain words.

How to appeal a denialAppeal deadline calculatorPick your state

What SSDI and SSI are

SSDI

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough and recently enough. Some family members can also get benefits on your record.

SSI

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with little income and few resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. You do not need work credits. Children can get SSI too.

Read more: SSDI vs SSI →

The 2026 numbers

Work limit (SGA)$1,690/mo2026 (January 1 - December 31, 2026)$1,770/mo (2027)
Work limit if blind (SSDI)$2,830/mo2026$2,950/mo (2027)
Trial work month$1,210/mo2026$1,270/mo (2027)
Most SSI pays: one person$994/moJanuary - December 2026$1,029/mo (January 2027)
Most SSI pays: couple$1,491/moJanuary - December 2026$1,544/mo (January 2027)
SSI resource limit: one person$2,000Since January 1, 1989 (not indexed)
SSI resource limit: couple$3,000Since January 1, 1989 (not indexed)
Earnings for one work credit$1,8902026$1,970 (2027)
Cost-of-living increase2.8%Benefits for December 2025 (paid January 2026); SSI payments for January 20263.6% (Benefits for December 2026 (paid January 2027); SSI payments for January 2027 (paid December 31, 2026))

How much SSDI and SSI pay →

If you were denied: 4 levels of appeal

The deadline: 60 days, plus 5 for mail

You have 60 days to appeal each decision. SSA adds 5 days for mail. There are four levels: reconsideration, a hearing with a judge, the Appeals Council, and federal court. Every state now has the reconsideration step.

The 60 days count from the date you receive the notice; SSA assumes you receive it 5 days after the date on the notice unless you show otherwise.

Check your last day with the deadline calculatorHow to appeal a denial

  1. Reconsideration

    A different person at the state agency (DDS) who did not make the first decision.

    60 days SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration)

  2. Hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ)

    An administrative law judge at SSA's hearing office.

    60 days HA-501 (Request for Hearing by Administrative Law Judge)

  3. Appeals Council review

    SSA's Appeals Council.

    60 days HA-520 (Request for Review of Hearing Decision/Order)

  4. Federal district court

    A U.S. district court judge.

    60 days

Pick your state

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Last checked: November 2026