Monthly SSI federal benefit rate
SSA sets a federal benefit rate for SSI each year and adjusts it for the cost of living. Some states add a supplement on top.
SSA — SSI federal payment amountsDisability claim facts and where to verify them
Every figure in a disability claim changes from year to year, and a stale number can cost you a claim. Rather than repeat amounts that go out of date, we point you to the official SSA page that publishes each one.
Substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit
Earning above the SGA amount generally means SSA will find you not disabled, regardless of diagnosis. There is a separate, higher amount for statutory blindness, and both change annually.
SSA — SGA amounts by yearWork credits needed for SSDI
SSDI requires enough recent work credits. How many you need depends on the age at which you became disabled; the dollar value of one credit changes each year.
SSA — how you earn creditsInitial decision processing time
Initial medical decisions are made by your state Disability Determination Services office. SSA publishes current average processing times, which vary widely by state and by month.
SSA — disability claim processing timesHearing wait times by office
SSA publishes average wait times for each hearing office, so you can look up the specific office handling your case rather than relying on a national average.
SSA — hearing office average processing timeAppeal deadline
You generally have 60 days from the date on a denial notice, plus 5 days SSA allows for mailing, to file the next level of appeal.
SSA — the appeals processSSDI five-month waiting period
SSDI benefits generally begin after a waiting period following the established onset date. SSI has no such waiting period.
SSA — when benefits beginApproval and denial rates
SSA's annual statistical reports break down allowances and denials by level of adjudication, age, and diagnosis group.
SSA — Annual Statistical Report on the Disability Insurance ProgramReady to put these rules to work on your own claim? Start with the free screener.