SSI, SSDI, and working: the basics
Social Security has two disability programs. Here is who each one is for, how much they pay in 2026, and how work changes your check.
Two programs
| SSI | SSDI and benefits on a parent's record | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | People with disabilities with low income and few savings, any age | People who worked enough, or adults disabled before 22 whose parent gets Social Security or has died |
| Savings limit | Yes: $2,000 for one person | No |
| Health coverage that usually comes with it | Medicaid in most states | Medicare (after a waiting period) |
SSI in 2026
- The most SSI pays from the federal government is $994 a month for one person and $1,491 for a couple. Many states add a little more.
- The savings limit is $2,000 for one person and $3,000 for a couple. It has not changed since 1989.
- Things that do not count toward the limit: the home you live in, one car, the first $100,000 in an ABLE account, and money in a special needs trust.
- Living with family: if someone else pays your rent or other housing costs, your check can go down by up to one third. Paying your fair share of the housing costs can stop that. Since September 2024, help with food no longer lowers SSI.
Children and the age 18 review
For a child under 18, Social Security counts part of the parents' income and savings. That is why many children do not qualify. At 18, only the young adult's own money counts.
Children who got SSI are reviewed again at 18 under adult rules. Keep records from school, doctors, and therapists. If benefits stop, you can appeal.
Benefits from a parent's record
An adult whose disability began before age 22 may get Childhood Disability Benefits (sometimes called DAC) when a parent starts retirement or disability benefits, or dies. These can pay more than SSI and usually lead to Medicare. Tell Social Security about the adult child when a parent applies.
Working and keeping benefits
- SSI: Social Security does not count the first $85 a month you earn, then counts only half of the rest. So working almost always leaves you with more money in total.
- Students under 22 on SSI: the Student Earned Income Exclusion lets you keep up to $2,410 a month of earnings, up to $9,730 in 2026, without lowering your check.
- Medicaid can continue even when earnings stop your SSI check (a rule called 1619(b)).
- SSDI: in 2026, earning more than $1,690 a month ($2,830 if blind) is called substantial work. A trial work period lets you test work. Any month you earn over $1,210 counts as a trial month.
- Free benefits counseling: Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) counselors explain your exact numbers. Call the Ticket to Work line at 1-866-968-7842 or visit choosework.ssa.gov.
- Always report earnings to Social Security every month to avoid overpayments.
How to apply and appeal
- Apply at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 to make an appointment. For SSI you may need to apply by phone or in person.
- Gather records: medical, school (IEPs and evaluations), and a list of doctors and therapists.
- Answer every letter by its deadline. Keep copies of everything.
- If you are denied, appeal within 60 days. Ask for benefits to continue during an appeal within 10 days of a notice that cuts or stops them.
- Get help from your Protection and Advocacy agency or a legal aid office. Disability lawyers are usually paid only if you win.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Laws, dollar amounts, and program rules change. Check with the agency named on this page before you make a decision.