Updated as of February 26, 2024.
SSDI in Brief
- Benefit based on work history
- If you have too much earned income, you will lose ALL SSDI benefits that month unless an exclusion applies (often called the “SSDI Earnings Cliff”)
- Work incentives: Exclusions from earned income
- Impairment-Related Work Expenses Exclusion
- Trial Work Period
SSDI Disability Eligibility
- Legally blind – special treatment in some cases
- Other disabilities
SSDI Financial Eligibility
No limitations on Resources
- There is no limit
- Resources are NOT included in SSDI eligibility determination
Limitations on Income
- Unearned income is not factored in
- Gifts, bequests
- Investment income
- Earned income only (Substantial Gainful Activity – SGA): 2024 SGA for SSDI
- For blindness: $2,590/month
- For all others: $1,550/month
- Exclusions from Earned Income SGA
- Impairment Related Work Expenses – for more information, check out the Bridges Resource Library Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) entry
- Trial work period – up to nine (9) months
- SSDI CLIFF!!
- If earned income, after exclusions, exceeds SGA, even by only a dollar, the individual will ALL of the SSDI payment for that month
- This also impacts medical insurance coverage
Medical Insurance for SSDI Recipients
- Medicare
- 24-month waiting period
- Earning too much can affect this
- If still medically eligible, but earning too much money:
- Extended eligibility period (trial work period of nine months plus seven extra years)
- Possibility of paying premiums to continue some Medicare coverage
Other Benefits That May Be Available to SSDI Recipients
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Often called “food stamps”
- Eligibility based on gross income
Lifeline: Free/low-cost internet or cell phone
- Offers discounts for phone and internet services from approved companies
- Available to those receiving SNAP benefits
Tuition Waiver at Maryland Community Colleges for SSI and SSDI Recipients Bridges Resource Library entry
- For up to 6 credits per semester or up to 12 credits per semester if the individual is enrolled in classes as part of a degree or a certificate program designed to lead to employment
- For continuing education designed to lead to employment, including life skills instruction
- Available to those receiving SSDI or SSI benefits
Amazon Prime Access
- Discounted Amazon Prime membership
- Available to those receiving SNAP benefits
Museums for All program
- Check out the Bridges Resource Library Museums for All entry for more information
- Available to those receiving SNAP benefits
Download available
IRWE Calculation Spreadsheet (two worksheets: SSDI Calculation & IRWE Calculation)
Contact the Bridges Helpdesk for More Information
Email: Helpdesk@imagemd.org
Text: Send to: (410) 357-1546
Voice mail: Call (410) 357-1546, leave a voice mail message, and we will return your call
This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.