You're confusing a couple different programs. To get SSDI or SSI you have to be disabled enough that you're prevented from earning SGA, which in 2026 is about $1600/month. You get SSDI if you've worked and paid into social security enough that you then get an amount based off of your income, I think between $900-$3600/month. You can work and earn up to a certain about each month without losing benefits, but going over a certain amount will then decrease your benefits and it will count as a "work month" and too many of those over a period of time and you'll lose your benefits. SSI is needs based and you get at most ilke $800/month and almost can't work at all without losing some benefits. I'm not sure on the complete rules but you also can't be married otherwise your partners income counts against you. You can't have more than $2000 in assets and there are other rules but it's for people that have no work credits to get SSDI but are still too disabled to work. Everyone on these programs is considered competely disabled, its the VA that does percentages of disability which changes your amount. If you're on SSDI it doesn't matter where you live, your benefit will remain the same. I think that's also true with SSI but some states also supplement the amount. It is true that having dependents can raise your amount but it isn't unlimited.