What are ways to increase my SSDI benefits? Social Security Disability Insurance benefit payments are based on your earnings record, so increasing your SSDI benefits can be challenging. Strategies that might help include reviewing your SSA earnings record for accuracy, working below the SGA limits (to increase your lifetime earnings), and applying for additional benefits like SSI or state disability programs. Your benefits might also increase annually on their own, through COLA.

The definition of disability applies to SSDI and SSI benefits, but the eligibility requirements are different. Eligibility for SSDI benefits requires work history, work credits, and paid Social Security taxes. SSI benefits are for low-income individuals without a work history who are not eligible to apply for SSDI benefits.