SSDI Eligibility Checker 2026

Estimate your Social Security Disability Insurance eligibility based on 2026 SSA rules

📋 How to Use This Calculator ▼

Enter Your Date of Birth Select your date of birth using the date picker. This calculates your age at disability onset.
Enter Disability Onset Date Enter when your disability began or when you expect to stop working due to your condition.
Enter Current Monthly Earnings Input your gross monthly earnings. This is compared against the 2025 SGA limit ($1,620 non-blind / $2,700 blind).
Indicate Blindness Status Legally blind applicants have different SGA limits and work credit requirements.
Confirm Duration Requirement Your condition must be expected to last 12+ months or result in death for SSDI eligibility.
Enter Work History Provide total years worked and average yearly earnings to estimate your work credits.
Review Your Results View real-time eligibility estimate with detailed breakdown and recommended next steps.

Your Information

Date of Birth

Disability Onset Date When did your disability begin or when do you expect to stop working?

Current Monthly Earnings Your gross earnings before taxes and deductions

Are you legally blind? Legal blindness: vision 20/200 or less, or visual field of 20 degrees or less

No Yes

Do you expect your condition to last at least 12 months or result in death?

Yes No

Total Years Worked in Covered Employment Jobs where Social Security taxes were withheld

Average Yearly Earnings During Working Years Approximate annual earnings from covered employment

Years Worked in Last 3 Years For applicants under 24

Years Worked in Last 10 Years For the 20/40 recent work test

Eligibility Estimate

⏳ Enter your information to see results

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Work Credits Awaiting your work history information
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SGA Test (Earnings) Awaiting your earnings information
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Duration Requirement Awaiting your condition information

Important Disclaimer: This SSDI Eligibility Checker provides an estimate only based on publicly available Social Security rules as of 2026. Final eligibility and benefit decisions are made solely by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This tool does not provide legal advice, does not guarantee approval, and does not replace consultation with SSA or a qualified professional.

Note on Work Credits: Work credits shown here are estimates based on the information you entered. The SSA calculates your actual work credits using your detailed year-by-year earnings history. Visit my Social Security to view your official work credits.

Created by Akash Biswas | SSDI Eligibility Calculator 2026

SSDI Eligibility & Guidelines (2026)

1. Is this SSDI Eligibility Checker accurate for 2026?

This calculator follows publicly available Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) rules for 2026, including work credits, SGA limits, and duration requirements. It provides an estimate only. The SSA makes final decisions using your official earnings history and medical records.

2. Can this tool tell me if I will be approved for SSDI?

No. This tool estimates basic technical eligibility, not final approval. SSDI approval also depends on medical evidence, SSA disability listings, and work capacity evaluations conducted by the Social Security Administration.

3. How many work credits do I need for SSDI in 2026?

Most adults need 20 work credits earned in the last 10 years, but younger workers may need fewer. This calculator estimates your credits based on years worked and earnings, but SSA calculates credits on a specific year-by-year basis.

4. What is the SGA limit for SSDI eligibility in 2026?

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) is the monthly income limit SSA uses to decide if you are working too much to qualify for disability. The exact 2026 SGA amount may change annually. This tool uses the latest available SSA thresholds.

5. Does being legally blind change SSDI eligibility?

Yes. Legal blindness has higher SGA limits and different evaluation rules under SSA guidelines. Selecting “legally blind” in the calculator adjusts the eligibility logic accordingly.

6. Do I qualify if my condition has not lasted 12 months yet?

To qualify for SSDI, your condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Short-term or temporary disabilities generally do not qualify under standard SSA rules.

7. Should I still apply for SSDI if this tool says I may be ineligible?

Yes. This tool provides an estimate only. Many people qualify through special rules, closed periods, or medical-vocational allowances. Always consider applying or speaking with an advocate if you believe you cannot work due to a physical or mental disability.