Social Security Disability Insurance provides benefits for eligible individuals who have a mental or physical disability. Understanding the coverage you may receive through SSDI can inform the decision about whether to apply for benefits.
Review SSDI benefit programs if you or a loved one cannot work because of health issues.
Monthly benefit amount
According to the National Council on Aging, the average monthly benefit payment through SSDI is $1,128 as of November 2020. For 2021, the maximum benefit you can receive depending on the extent of your work history is $3,148.
Health care coverage
If you qualify for SSDI, you will receive Medicare coverage automatically after 24 months. People who have ALS have no 24-month waiting period and receive Medicare right away.
Work incentives
SSDI also has benefit programs for disabled individuals who want to transition back to the workplace. You can take a trial work period of up to nine months while still receiving full benefits. These months do not have to be consecutive as long as they take place within the same 60 months.
After completing the trial work period, you can receive limited benefits during the extended period of eligibility. In this 36-month period, SSDI will only pay benefits in months you earn less than a certain threshold (called substantial gainful activity).
You can also receive an SSDI subsidy in the form of support that makes it easier for you to go back to work. Examples include a reduced amount of work, job coaching or mentoring services, or enhanced supervision as needed.
Benefit amounts vary based on your past income, work history and other factors.
