SSDI Work Credit Calculator 2026: Check Eligibility Instantly
Step-by-Step:
- Age: Enter your age when the disability began.
- Earnings: For 2026, you earn 1 credit for every $1,890 earned, up to a max of 4 per year.
- Work History: Enter total years worked and years worked in the last 10 years to verify the "20/40 rule" and other age-based tests.
Age-Based Rules:
- Under 24: Needs 6 credits in the 3-year period ending when disability starts.
- Age 24–30: Needs credits for half the time between age 21 and disability onset.
- Age 31+: Generally needs 40 credits total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years.
Credit Requirements by Age (Reference Table)▼
| Age at Disability Onset | Total Credits Needed | Recent Work Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Under 24 | 6 credits | 6 credits in 3 years prior |
| 24-30 | Varies (e.g., 12 at age 24) | Half the time since age 21 |
| 31 and older | 40 credits | 20 credits in last 10 years |
SSDI Eligibility: More Than Just Work Credits▼
Having enough work credits is just the first step. You also need to meet these requirements in 2026:
Monthly Income Limits
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limit:
- $1,690 per month – If you’re not blind
- $2,830 per month – If you’re blind
This means if you earn more than these amounts from working, Social Security will not consider you disabled, even if you have a serious medical condition.
Medical Requirements
Your medical condition must meet ALL of these rules:
- Severe enough – It must stop you from doing basic work tasks like standing, walking, sitting, or remembering simple instructions
- Long-lasting – It must have lasted (or be expected to last) at least 12 months in a row
- OR Terminal – The condition is expected to result in death
Important: Minor injuries or short-term illnesses (like a broken bone that heals in 6 months) do not qualify for SSDI.
SSDI vs SSI: What’s the Difference?▼
Many people confuse these two programs. Here’s how they’re different:
| Feature | SSDI (Disability Insurance) | SSI (Supplemental Security Income) |
|---|---|---|
| Who Qualifies | People who worked and paid Social Security taxes | People with very low income and assets (whether they worked or not) |
| Work Credits Needed | Yes – You must have enough work credits | No – Work credits don’t matter |
| Income Limits | No income limit (but SGA rules apply) | Very strict – must have limited income |
| Asset Limits | No asset limit | Usually under $2,000 for individuals ($3,000 for couples) |
| Maximum Payment (2026) | Based on your past earnings (varies) | $994 per month for individuals |
| Medicare Eligible | Yes – after 24 months of benefits | No – but Medicaid is usually available |
💡 Can You Get Both?
Yes! Some people qualify for both programs at the same time. This usually happens when your SSDI payment is very small. SSI can “top up” your total monthly income.
Get these documents ready before you start your application. It will make the process much faster and easier.
📋 Personal Information
- Social Security number (for you, your spouse, and any children under 18)
- Birth certificate or other proof of age
- Bank account information (routing and account number for direct deposit)
- Marriage certificate (if married) or divorce papers (if divorced)
- Children’s birth certificates (if you have kids under 18)
🏥 Medical Evidence (Most Important!)
- Names and phone numbers of ALL doctors, therapists, hospitals, and clinics you’ve visited
- List of all medical conditions that limit your ability to work
- Complete medication list including dosages (example: “Lisinopril 10mg, twice daily”)
- Test results from the last 2 years (MRIs, X-rays, blood work, mental health evaluations)
- Hospital records if you’ve been hospitalized
- Medical device records (wheelchair, cane, oxygen tank, hearing aids, etc.)
💼 Work History
- Job titles and dates worked for the last 5 to 15 years
- Detailed job duties (example: “Lifted boxes up to 50 pounds, stood for 8 hours, used computer for data entry”)
- Hours worked per week and pay rate
- Employer names and addresses
- W-2 forms or tax returns (especially helpful for self-employed workers)
✅ Pro Tip:
The more medical evidence you provide upfront, the faster your application will be processed. Don’t wait for Social Security to ask for records – send everything you have right away!
Trial Work Period: Can I Test Going Back to Work?▼
If you’re already getting SSDI benefits and want to try working again, you can! The Trial Work Period (TWP) lets you test your ability to work without losing your benefits right away.
How the Trial Work Period Works in 2026
The $1,210 Rule:
- Any month you earn more than $1,210 counts as 1 trial work month
- You get 9 trial work months total (they don’t have to be in a row)
- During these 9 months, you keep your full SSDI payment no matter how much you earn
- After you use all 9 months, different rules apply
What Happens After the 9 Months?
- If you earn LESS than $1,690/month – You continue getting full benefits
- If you earn MORE than $1,690/month – Your benefits will stop (but you get a 36-month safety net)
- 36-Month Extended Period – If your earnings drop below $1,690/month during this time, your benefits automatically restart (no new application needed!)
Example: How Sarah Used Her Trial Work Period
Month 1-9: Sarah earned $2,000/month at a part-time job. She still got her full $1,500 SSDI check every month. ✅
Month 10-45: She kept working and earning $2,000/month. Her SSDI stopped (because she earned over $1,690). ⏸️
Month 46: Sarah’s condition worsened and she had to reduce hours to $1,200/month. Her SSDI automatically restarted without filing a new application! ✅
⚠️ Important:
Always report your work to Social Security immediately! If you don’t report and get overpaid, you’ll have to pay the money back.
Ready to Apply? Your Next Steps▼
Here’s exactly what to do next, step by step:
Step 1: Check Your Actual Work Credits
Before applying, verify your work history is correct in Social Security’s system.
Create a “my Social Security” account:
- Go to: ssa.gov/myaccount
- Create your free account (takes about 10 minutes)
- View your full earnings history and exact credit count
- Check for any missing or incorrect years
Step 2: Start Your Application Online
The fastest way to apply is online. You can save your progress and come back later.
Apply online at:
- ssa.gov/benefits/disability
- Available 24/7 from any device
- Takes 30-60 minutes if you have all your documents ready
- You can save and return to finish later
Step 3: Apply in Person (If You Prefer)
Some people like to apply face-to-face. That’s okay too!
Find your local Social Security office:
- Use the office locator: ssa.gov/locator
- Call ahead to make an appointment: 1-800-772-1213
- Bring ALL your documents with you
- Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (local time)
Step 4: Apply by Phone
You can also start your application over the phone.
- Call: 1-800-772-1213
- TTY users: 1-800-325-0778
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (your local time)
- Wait times are usually shorter early morning or late afternoon
📱 Quick Links for You
| Resource | What It Does | Link |
|---|---|---|
| my Social Security | Check your work credits and earnings | Create Account |
| Online Application | Apply for SSDI benefits online | Start Application |
| Office Locator | Find your nearest Social Security office | Find Office |
| Phone Help | Speak with a representative | 1-800-772-1213 |
| Appeals Council | If your application is denied | Learn About Appeals |
💚 You’ve Got This!
The SSDI application process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Take it one step at a time, gather your documents, and don’t hesitate to call Social Security if you have questions. Many people are approved – you just need to tell your story clearly and provide good medical evidence.