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Social Security disability benefits may be taxable if you have other income that puts you over a certain threshold. However, many people who receive Social Security disability benefits do not have to pay taxes on their benefits because most people who meet the strict criteria to qualify for the program have little or no additional income.
Key Takeaways
- Many Americans rely on Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) benefits for financial support.
- If your total income, including SSDI benefits, is higher than certain thresholds, the amount that is over the limit is subject to federal income tax.
- Most states do not tax SSDI benefits, but 9 states do, to varying degrees.
How Social Security Disability Works
President Franklin D. Roosevelt included the Social Security program as part of his New Deal government reforms of the 1930s. The purpose of the New Deal was to lift the country out of the Great Depression and restore its economy. Social Security was designed to provide a financial safety net for older Americans and those with qualifying disabilities.
People who receive Social Security benefits due to a disability do not have to be of a particular age to receive benefits (although they do need to have paid into the Social Security system while they were working). Instead, their disability must meet the strict criteria laid out by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
First, the SSA says, “Your condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting, and remembering—for at least 12 months.” The condition must prevent you from doing the kind of work you did previously, and based on your age, education, experience, and transferable skills, you are unable to perform other work.
Additionally, you must not currently be working so much that your “substantial gainful activity” monthly income exceeds $1,620 in 2025. (It was $1,550 for 2024.) The threshold for blind recipients is $2,700 per month in 2025. (It was $2,590 per month in 2024.) The specific type of disability must be included on the SSA’s approved list or otherwise judged to be of equal severity to a condition on the list.
When Disability Benefits Are Taxed
Whether Social Security disability benefits are taxed depends on your total income. You won’t pay taxes on your Social Security disability benefits if your total income—which is determined by adding one-half of your disability benefits to all other sources of earned income, including tax-exempt interest—is below the threshold set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you file your taxes as an individual, the threshold amount is $25,000. If you are married and file jointly, it is $32,000.
What States Tax Social Security Benefits?
Most states do not tax Social Security benefits, including those for disability. As of 2024, however, a total of 9 states tax Social Security benefits to some degree. Those states are Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont and West Virginia. Most of these states set similar income criteria to the ones used by the IRS to determine how much, if any, of your disability benefits are taxable.
What Is the Social Security Administration?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) is part of the federal government. It is in charge of managing and distributing Social Security benefits for retirees, survivors, and people with disabilities. The SSA also releases Social Security numbers (SSNs) and Social Security cards.
What Should I Do if I Lost My Social Security Card?
If you lost your Social Security card, or you suspect it was stolen, act quickly to replace it. In many cases you can simply fill out an online form. You can also fill out an application in person at your nearest field office.
The Bottom Line
In some situations and in some states, your Social Security disability benefits may be taxable. It depends on your income, which is calculated using a formula set by the Social Security Administration. There are two income thresholds: $25,000 for single filers and $32,000 for those who file jointly. If you’re income exceeds these amounts, you will need to pay taxes on your Social Security benefits.