What are the new rules for Social Security disability in 2024?

Asked by: Dr. Jazmyn Balistreri PhD  |  Last update: July 4, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (72 votes)

As of 2024, you may stop receiving SSDI benefits if you earn over $1,550 a month. But your eligibility to receive SSI while working will depend on which state you live in. Read the publication Working While Disabled: How We Can Help [PDF, 1MB] from the Social Security Administration.

What are the new SSDI rules for 2024?

SGA is defined by an income threshold that limits how much you can earn while still being considered disabled. SGA Income Limit for 2024: In 2024, you can earn up to $1,470 per month if you are non-blind and still qualify for SSDI. For blind individuals, the limit is higher at $2,460 per month.

What is the 5 year rule for disability?

The Social Security 5-year rule refers specifically to disability benefits. It requires that you must have worked five out of the last ten years immediately before your disability onset to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

What are the new changes to SSDI?

Increase in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limits

For 2024, the SGA limit for non-blind individuals is $1,470 per month, while the limit for blind individuals is $2,460 per month. Projected SGA Increase for 2025: Due to ongoing inflation, the SGA limits are expected to rise again in 2025.

How much can I earn on SSDI in 2025?

During the 36-month extended period of eligibility, you usually can make no more than $1,620 ($2,700 if you are blind) a month in 2025 or your benefits will stop. These amounts are known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).

Working and Receiving Social Security (The New Rules for 2025)

38 related questions found

What is the $943 Social Security payment?

If you're wondering about the amounts for these SSI checks, the SSA has set a maximum monthly amount of $943 for individuals and up to $1,415 for couples in 2024. Some states even offer additional SSI supplements, increasing the overall payment for residents of places like California and New York.

At what age does social security disability stop reviewing?

There is no set age at which reviews stop entirely, however, once you hit full retirement age, which varies but is usually between 66 and 67 for most, your SSDI benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits, and those don't undergo continuing disability reviews.

What illness automatically qualifies for disability?

It includes:
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain.
  • Special Senses and Speech, such as blindness and hearing loss.
  • Respiratory Disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and respiratory failure.
  • Cardiovascular System, such as hypertension and heart disease.

What gives 100% disability?

The 100 percent disability rating is often awarded to veterans with two or more limbs that have been amputated or paralyzed or for veterans with active service-related diseases such as cancer, severe cardiac conditions, or psychiatric conditions such as PTSD, bipolar, depression, or schizophrenia.

What is the new Social Security bill for 2024?

On December 20, 2024, the Senate voted to pass the bill 76-20. This bipartisan legislation would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Together, these provisions negatively impact or eliminate Social Security benefits for millions of retired public servants.

What is the 55 rule for disability?

Once you turn 55, you are typically "protected" and will no longer have to attend an exam to prove that your condition has not changed unless there is reason to suspect fraud. This is sometimes called the 55-year-old rule.

What are the Social Security changes for July 2024?

The maximum benefit for a worker who claims Social Security at full retirement age (FRA) in 2024 will be $3,822 a month, up from $3,627 in 2023. FRA is 66 years and 6 months for people born in 1957 and 66 and 8 months for those born in 1958; people born from July 2, 1957, through May 1, 1958, will reach it in 2024.

How can I work without losing my SSDI?

You can return to work for at least 9 months and still get your full Disability payment. We call this a “trial work period.” In 2025, any month you earn over $1,160 before taxes will count towards this trial. The months don't need to be consecutive, just within a rolling 5-year period.

How much will disability checks be in 2024?

The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) also increases the maximum monthly benefit amount. The maximum monthly benefit for disability and retirement is increasing to $3,822 per month. The benefit increase will take place in January 2024. Social Security will start mailing account notices in December.

What is the $3800 SSA payment?

The $3,800 SSA one-time payment is part of ongoing efforts to support Social Security recipients during times of financial uncertainty. While the SSA typically issues monthly benefit checks, one-time payments are rare and usually stem from legislative decisions or specific relief measures.

What is the lowest SSDI payment?

For 2021, monthly payments can range all the way from $100 per month to $3,148 per month. While $100 per month would be the lowest monthly payment that could be received for disability, it is unlikely your amount would be exactly that.

What are red flags on a disability update report?

Some red flags on the Social Security disability update report include: Checking the box that states your doctor told you that you can work. Checking the box that says your health is better now than when you were approved for benefits.

How do I know if my SSDI is permanent?

We have to consider your diagnosis from a doctor and your ability to work to determine if your condition should be considered permanent and total. Even if your condition prevents you from doing any work, but your doctor says that it will eventually heal, you might not be eligible for permanent and total benefits.

What is the most approved disability?

Overall, however, the most approved disability for Social Security is disabilities involving the musculoskeletal system and/or connective tissues. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), such conditions include arthritis, back pain, and lupus.

How do people afford to live on disability?

If your living costs are too high for what you receive, look into low-income housing options. Some apartments will base their rent on income. Others offer rentals for those with disabilities or seniors. You might save a lot of money on rent payments by looking into these options.

When my husband dies, do I get his Social Security and mine?

You cannot claim your deceased spouse's benefits in addition to your own retirement benefits. Social Security only will pay one—survivor or retirement.

What state has the highest SSDI payment?

According to the most recent SSA report, New Jersey recipients have the highest average Social Security disability check at $1,648.06 per month, while SSDI recipients in Washington, D.C., have the lowest average monthly benefits at $1,217.00.