Do social security disability pay according to your gross income

Social Security disability benefits are not based on your gross income. Instead, they are based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income. The amount of your benefits is calculated based on the number of work credits you have earned and your medical condition.

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and have a medical condition that meets Social Security's strict definition of disability. In general, you will receive monthly benefits if you are unable to work for a year or more due to a disability.

The number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when your disability begins. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year your disability begins. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.