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.

How Social Security Disability Works

President Franklin D. Roosevelt included the Social Security program as part of it New Deal government reforms of the 1930s. The goal of the New Deal was to pull the country out of the Great Depression and restore its economy. Social Security was designed to provide a financial safety net for older and qualified Americans DISABLED.

People who receive Social Security benefits because of a disability do not have to be a certain age to receive benefits (although they must have paid into the Social Security system while working). Instead, their disability must meet strict criteria set by Social Security Administration (SSA).

First, the SSA says, “Your condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work, such as lifting, standing, walking, standing, and remembering—for at least 12 months.” The condition must prevent you from doing the kind of work you previously did and, based on your age, education, experience and transferable skills, you cannot do other work.

Besides, nowadays you don’t have to work as much as you do.”substantial profitable activity” monthly income exceeds $1,620 in 2025. (Was $1,550 for 2024.) The threshold for blind beneficiaries is $2,700 per month in 2025. (Was $2,590 per month in 2024.) The specific type of disability must be on the SSA-approved list or otherwise considered 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 half of your disability benefits to all other sources of earned income, including tax-free interest— is below the threshold set by Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If you file your taxes as an individual, the threshold amount is $25,000. If you’re married filing jointly, it’s $32,000.

conclusion

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 joint filers. If your income exceeds these amounts, you will have to pay taxes on your Social Security benefits.