Understanding the Types of Disability Benefits

Before diving into the qualifications, it’s important to know the two main disability programs:

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): This program is for individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a sufficient amount of time. SSDI is based on your work history and the number of credits you’ve earned by working and paying taxes into the system.
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): This program provides financial assistance to individuals who have a disability but have not worked long enough to qualify for SSDI. SSI is based on financial need, not work history.

Meet the Medical Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for either SSDI or SSI, you must have a disability that meets the SSA’s strict definition of “disability.” The SSA defines a disability as the inability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medical condition that:

• Has lasted (or is expected to last) at least 12 months, or
• Is expected to result in death.

The medical condition must also be severe enough that it prevents you from working and performing basic job tasks. Conditions that may qualify include:

• Physical disabilities (e.g., chronic illnesses, serious injuries, or debilitating conditions like heart disease, cancer, or paralysis).
• Mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder).
• Neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease).

The SSA has a Listing of Impairments  that categorizes conditions and their severity, which can help you determine whether your condition may qualify.

Work History and Credits for SSDI

If you’re applying for SSDI, your eligibility will depend on the work history you’ve built up through paying Social Security taxes. Here’s what you need to know:

• Work Credits: To qualify for SSDI, you need to have earned enough work credits. Work credits are based on your annual income, and you can earn up to four credits per year. The amount of income needed to earn one credit changes annually.
• Required Credits: Generally, you need to have worked five out of the last ten years before becoming disabled, though this varies based on your age. Younger applicants may qualify with fewer credits.

Financial Need for SSI

For those applying for SSI, the key factor is your financial need. The SSA has income and asset limits to qualify for SSI:

• Income limits: The SSA considers all sources of income, including wages, unemployment benefits, and any other financial support you receive. To qualify for SSI, your income must be below the SSA’s income threshold, which varies based on your living situation (whether you live alone or with others).
• Asset limits: You cannot have more than $2,000 in countable assets if you are an individual or $3,000 for couples. Countable assets include things like savings, cash, and property (excluding your primary home and car).

The Five-Step Disability Evaluation Process

The SSA uses a five-step process to determine whether you are disabled and eligible for benefits. Here are the steps:

• Step 1 – Are You Working? The SSA first checks if you are engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). If you are earning more than a certain amount per month, you may be disqualified from benefits.
• Step 2 – Is Your Condition Severe? Your condition must be severe enough to limit your ability to perform basic work tasks. Minor impairments may not qualify.
• Step 3 – Is Your Condition on the SSA’s Listing of Impairments? If your condition matches one of the SSA’s listed impairments, you may be automatically approved for benefits.
• Step 4 – Can You Do Your Past Work? The SSA will determine if you can return to your previous job. If you cannot, they will proceed to the next step.
• Step 5 – Can You Do Any Other Type of Work? The SSA will assess whether there are any other types of work you could perform, given your age, education, and skill level. If not, you may be approved for benefits.

Application Process for SSDI or SSI

To apply for Social Security Disability benefits, follow these steps:

• Complete the Application: You can apply online, by phone, or in person at your local SSA office.
• Provide Medical Evidence: You’ll need to submit medical records, documentation of your diagnosis, and any other relevant information showing that your condition limits your ability to work.
• Provide Work History and Financial Information: For SSDI, you’ll need to provide information about your work history, including your past employers and income. For SSI, you must provide detailed financial information.

What Happens After You Apply?

After you submit your application, the SSA will evaluate your claim based on the criteria above. The decision may take several months, and during this time, the SSA may ask for additional information or schedule a consultative examination with one of their doctors.

If you are denied, you have the right to appeal the decision and follow the process outlined in the appeals section.