2024 Eligibility Criteria for Social Security Disability Benefits
If you’re considering applying for Social Security disability benefits in 2024 and are wondering about eligibility criteria, this video is for you.
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better.
Today, we’re going to talk about the eligibility criteria for Social Security disability benefits in 2024.
SSDI Eligibility in 2024
To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must have earned a sufficient number of work credits through employment covered by Social Security. The number of credits needed depends on your age at the time you become disabled, but generally speaking, you must have worked for five of the last ten years to qualify for SSDI benefits.
You must also have a qualifying disability that meets the Social Security Administration’s definition. That disability must have already lasted or be expected to last for at least one year, or be expected to result in death.
For 2024, the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) increase is 3.2%, which will result in the average monthly SSDI benefit increasing from $1,489 per month to $1,537 per month. Your specific monthly benefit, though, will vary depending on your earnings history.
SSI Eligibility in 2024
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), eligibility is based in part on financial need. This includes having limited income and limited resources.
Generally speaking:
- You must have less than $2,000 in assets if you are single.
- You must have less than $3,000 in assets if you are married.
There are also income limits in addition to these asset and resource requirements.
To qualify, you must be:
- 65 or older,
- Blind, or
- Disabled with a qualifying medical condition.
Finally, you must be a United States citizen or fall into a specific category of eligible non-citizens.
For 2024, the cost-of-living adjustment resulted in the federal maximum SSI benefit increasing from $914 a month in 2023 to $943 a month in 2024.
Common Eligibility Factors for SSDI and SSI
Across both programs, the following general eligibility factors apply:
- The disability must be severe enough to prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
- Regular medical treatment and following prescribed treatment therapies can help to strengthen your disability claim.
- Being responsive to requests for information from the Social Security Administration, as well as attending medical examinations requested by the agency during the application or appeals process, is important.
Eligibility criteria and program rules are subject to change, so it’s often a good idea to contact the Social Security Administration directly or reach out to a disability attorney regarding your specific situation.
Thanks so much for watching.
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