Common SSD Terms

What does COLA stand for? 

Cost-of-Living Adjustment.   COLA adjusts government programs, including Social Security benefits. COLA is an increase based on the current year’s economic conditions that counteracts inflation. Automatic yearly COLAs started in 1975, and the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) measures them. 

What does EOD mean?

EOD stands for Established Onset Date (EOD), the date determined by the Social Security Administration (SSA) as the point when an individual’s disability began or their condition prevented them from working. This date is critical in determining eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, as well as the timing and amount of benefits the individual will receive. This is also referred to as “disability onset date.”

What does FICA stand for? 

Federal Insurance Contributions Act.   A mandated tax imposed by the federal government that requires a portion of an employee’s paycheck be allocated for federal payroll taxes, with an equal contribution made by the employer. These taxes fund Social Security and Medicare programs, which offer financial benefits to retirees, individuals with disabilities, and the children of deceased workers. 

What does SGA stand for? 

Substantial Gainful Activity.   SGA is a term that the SSA uses to describe a level of work activity and earnings. The SSA adjusts it annually, and it represents the monthly income limit you can have while receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The SSA also uses SGA to determine eligibility for SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. In 2024, the SGA amount was $1,550, and in 2025, it is $1,620. 

What are Work Credits? 

Work credits are based on your total yearly wages or income. You can earn up to four work credits per year. When applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability and have enough work credits. The number of work credits required to qualify for SSDI benefits depends on your age at the time your disability begins. Typically, you need 40 credits, 20 of which must have been earned within the 10 years immediately preceding the start of your disability.