Who is eligible for SSDI?

Parent Question

Published: Jul. 8, 2026Updated: Jul. 8, 2026

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is commonly confused with Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In general, an individual needs to have accumulated enough work credits from Social Security payroll taxes to be able to claim monthly payments through SSDI. SSI, on the other hand, is not dependent on your child's work history but on their disability and their income.

Like SSI, to qualify for SSDI an individual needs to be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a significant disability that lasts for more than 12 months.

If you or your child's other parent has been receiving SSDI, your child could be eligible for dependent or survivor benefits. Learn more in our article all about Social Security benefits.

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What is SSDI?

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