Benefits Estimator

Do any of these apply?

Each one opens different benefit pathways or raises income thresholds significantly.

Is there a medical condition, disability, or impairment?

This is the gateway to SSI and SSDI. If no, we'll still check SNAP, Medicaid, and any veteran or retirement benefits.

Which category best describes the condition?

SSA's Blue Book lists recognized impairment categories. Matching one significantly strengthens an SSDI claim. Select all that apply.

How severely does the condition limit work ability?

SSA Step 2: the condition must be "severe" - it must significantly limit basic work activities like standing, lifting, concentrating, or working with others.

How long has the condition lasted or is expected to last?

SSA requires disability to last at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. This is a hard requirement for both SSI and SSDI.

Current work and earnings

SSA Step 1: earning more than $1,550/month (2025) from work is "Substantial Gainful Activity" and generally disqualifies SSDI while working at that level. Benefits received don't count - only wages.

Work history and Social Security contributions

SSDI requires work credits from payroll taxes. Most adults need 5 of the last 10 years. This also determines the SSDI payment estimate. Self-employment counts if SS taxes were paid.

Can the past work still be done?

SSA Step 4: if a person can still perform any job held in the last 15 years, the claim is generally denied here - even if that work is uncomfortable or not ideal.

Highest level of education

SSA Step 5 combines age + education + skills. Lower education + older age = much stronger SSDI claim. A 55-year-old with less than high school who can't do past work almost always qualifies.

Total monthly income from all sources

Include wages, benefits, child support, family help - everything coming in. This sets SNAP and SSI eligibility thresholds.

Household composition

Children open TANF and CHIP eligibility and raise SNAP benefit amounts. Household size sets income thresholds for every means-tested program.

Children under 18 in the household

Total household size (including self)

Monthly housing cost

This lets us check whether the income stack can realistically cover housing and flag any funding gap.

Living situation and savings

Both affect SSI calculations. Living rent-free with family can reduce SSI by up to 1/3. Resources over $2,000 (individual) may require spend-down before SSI eligibility.

Current living arrangement

Total countable resources (savings, cash, accounts - not home or one vehicle)

Citizenship / immigration status

SSI and SNAP require U.S. citizenship or qualified immigrant status. VA benefits require honorable military service regardless of citizenship.

Benefits currently being received

Select everything currently active. We'll only show what's missing from the stack.

This tool is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. Eligibility is determined by SSA and other agencies through a formal application. Income estimates use 2025 federal benefit rates. Medicaid rules, application portals, and TANF amounts reflect Texas. State-specific results coming soon. Actual amounts depend on work history, medical documentation, and agency determination.