Understanding SSDI and SSI

The first step in qualifying for disability is understanding the two main programs:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This program is for individuals who have worked and paid into Social Security through payroll taxes for a certain number of years. If you are unable to work due to a disability, you may qualify for SSDI benefits.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This program is for individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. SSI benefits are available to disabled individuals who meet the financial criteria, including low income and few assets.

Meet the SSA’s Definition of Disability

The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as a condition that:

• Prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA).
• Has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months.
• Is expected to result in death.
  

In other words, the SSA only grants disability benefits for conditions that are long-term or permanent, and that prevent you from being able to work.

The Work History Requirement for SSDI

To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked and paid into Social Security for a certain number of years. The number of years depends on your age at the time of your disability. Generally, you need to have worked for at least 5 out of the last 10 years before becoming disabled. The SSA uses a system called work credits to determine if you have sufficient work history to qualify for SSDI benefits.

• For example, a person younger than 24 may need 6 credits to qualify, while a person older than 31 may need 20 credits.

Financial Need for SSI

Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require a work history. Instead, eligibility is based on financial need. To qualify for SSI, you must have:

• Limited income (below a certain threshold).
• Limited resources (typically no more than $2,000 in assets for an individual or $3,000 for a couple).

SSI is designed for individuals who are both disabled and financially needy.

Proving Your Disability

One of the most important parts of the application process is proving that your condition is severe enough to qualify for benefits. This means you must provide medical evidence that your disability:

• Is a severe impairment that significantly limits your ability to work.
• Prevents you from performing any past jobs, and possibly any other work you could be trained to do.
• Is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.

You will need to submit medical records, test results, and opinions from healthcare providers to support your claim.

Meeting the SSA’s Listing of Impairments

The SSA has a Listing of Impairments (also known as the Blue Book), which includes many physical and mental conditions that automatically qualify as disabling. If your condition matches one of the listed impairments, you may be automatically approved for benefits. Some common conditions that can qualify include:

• Heart conditions.
• Chronic respiratory diseases.
• Cancer.
• Mental health conditions (like depression, anxiety, schizophrenia).
• Neurological disorders (like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease).
• Musculoskeletal disorders (like arthritis or back problems).

If your condition is not listed, you may still qualify if it is of equal severity and prevents you from working.

The Five-Step Evaluation Process

When the SSA reviews your disability claim, they follow a five-step process to determine if you qualify for benefits. This process evaluates:

• Step 1: Are you working? If you are earning above the substantial gainful activity (SGA) threshold, you will not be considered disabled.
• Step 2: Is your condition severe? Your impairment must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities.
• Step 3: Is your condition listed in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments? If yes, you may be eligible for benefits.
• Step 4: Can you do your past work? If you cannot return to your previous job due to your condition, the SSA moves to the next step.
• Step 5: Can you do any other type of work? If your condition prevents you from performing any work, you may qualify for disability benefits.

Applying for Disability

Once you have gathered your medical records and work history, you can apply for Social Security disability benefits:

• Apply online through the SSA website.
• Apply by phone by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
• Apply in person by visiting your local SSA office.

The application will ask about your medical condition, work history, and other relevant details. It’s important to be honest and provide as much detail as possible.