Over 50 does help, but not all that much. The money made *does* matter with SSDI. The more you *did* make in the past is helpful for your benefit amount, but if it's currently any more than the total Crook gave, they say you are just fine, even though you are broke af. Also, IIRC, that amount is before taxes. They pretty much make the living thing impossible unless you've got savings or support from someone. And it's VERY hard to get it working even that small amount. This I was told by someone well acquainted with many relevant people.

And yes, hospitalizations help. And yup, if you can push a broom, they also say you're just fine.

They make it extremely hard. It's also quite arbitrary. I had providers that had clients less worse off that got it and I fought for 4 or 5 years. It was very demoralizing, especially when you are doing badly (which I very much was at the time). I hope my current good streak stays forever, because I never want to go through that again.

Sorry to be such a bummer, but that's how it can go sometimes.