Failing to Meet the Work History Requirements

For SSDI benefits, one of the most critical eligibility requirements is having a sufficient work history. To qualify, you must have worked for a certain number of years and paid Social Security taxes. If you haven’t worked long enough, you may be ineligible for SSDI benefits. The number of years required depends on your age at the time you became disabled. For example, younger workers might only need a few years of work history, while older individuals may need more. If you don’t have enough work credits, you may be ineligible for SSDI, but you may still qualify for SSI if you meet the financial need criteria.

Earning Above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limit

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has an earnings threshold known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). If you earn above this threshold while working, even if you are disabled, the SSA may determine that you are not eligible for disability benefits. For 2025, the SGA limit is set at $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,460 for blind individuals. Earning more than this amount indicates that you are capable of engaging in substantial work, and as a result, you may be ineligible for SSDI or SSI benefits.

Failing to Provide Adequate Medical Evidence

When you apply for disability benefits, the SSA requires you to provide solid medical evidence proving that your disability is severe enough to prevent you from working. If you fail to provide sufficient medical documentation or fail to follow your doctor’s treatment plan, your application may be denied. This includes missing medical appointments, not providing necessary tests or lab results, or having an inconsistent medical record. It’s crucial to keep detailed records of your condition and treatment, as insufficient evidence can make you ineligible for benefits.