What Are the General SSI Eligibility Requirements?

Before diving into the specific disabilities that qualify for SSI, it's important to understand the general requirements for the program:

• Income Limits: Your income and assets must be below a certain threshold. The SSA considers your monthly earnings, resources, and living situation when determining eligibility.
• Age: You must be 65 or older, blind, or disabled to qualify for SSI.
• Disability: Your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death.

What Disabilities Qualify for SSI?

The SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments, which outlines the medical conditions that may qualify you for SSI benefits if they meet specific severity criteria. While any disability can potentially qualify, the following categories of disabilities are among the most common for SSI approval:

Musculoskeletal System Disorders

This category includes conditions that affect the muscles, bones, and joints, leading to limitations in movement or the ability to perform basic work tasks. Some examples include:

• Arthritis (especially severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)
• Back injuries and disorders (e.g., herniated discs, spinal stenosis)
• Amputations (especially of limbs)
• Chronic pain or limitations due to musculoskeletal injuries

Cardiovascular Conditions

Disabilities related to heart and blood vessel issues can qualify for SSI if they significantly impair your ability to work. Examples include:

• Heart disease (e.g., coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure)
• Chronic heart failure
• Heart attacks or bypass surgery with residual impairments
• Hypertension leading to other complications

Respiratory Conditions

Conditions that affect the lungs or breathing can qualify for SSI if they limit your ability to perform tasks or work. Some common qualifying respiratory conditions include:

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asthma (severe or uncontrolled)
• Cystic fibrosis
• Pulmonary fibrosis

Mental Health Disorders

Mental health conditions can also qualify for SSI if they cause significant limitations in your ability to function socially or in the workplace. Some of the most common qualifying mental health conditions include:

• Depression (severe, persistent, and resistant to treatment)
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  

Neurological Disorders

Neurological conditions affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, leading to limitations in physical or mental functioning. Conditions such as:

• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Epilepsy (severe and uncontrolled seizures)
• Brain injuries
• Alzheimer’s disease or dementia

Cancer

Cancer, in any stage, can qualify for SSI benefits if it’s severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or results in death. Some cancers are automatically considered disabling under the SSA’s rules, such as:

• Lung cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Leukemia
• Brain cancer

Blood Disorders

Severe blood disorders can qualify for SSI, especially if they require ongoing treatment or significantly impact your health. Examples include:

• Hemophilia
• Sickle cell anemia
• Thrombocytopenia
• Aplastic anemia

Immune System Disorders

Conditions that severely weaken the immune system and make it difficult for you to fight off infections or manage daily tasks are often eligible for SSI. Examples include:

• HIV/AIDS
• Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Chronic fatigue syndrome

Kidney Disease

Kidney diseases and conditions that affect kidney function can qualify for SSI, especially if they lead to renal failure. Common qualifying conditions include:

• Chronic kidney disease
• End-stage renal disease (ESRD)
• Dialysis dependency

Visual and Hearing Impairments

Severe visual or hearing impairments that significantly impact your ability to work or perform daily tasks may qualify you for SSI. Some of these conditions include:

• Blindness (severe vision loss)
• Deafness (severe hearing loss)
• Macular degeneration
• Glaucoma

How to Apply for SSI

To apply for SSI benefits, you must submit an application to the SSA, either online, over the phone, or in person at your local SSA office. When applying, you will need to provide documentation of your medical condition, work history (if applicable), and financial information. Be sure to include:

• Detailed medical records from doctors, specialists, or hospitals.
• Treatment history including medications, surgeries, and therapies.
• Work history (for SSDI) or income/assets for SSI applicants.
• Any additional supporting documents that prove the severity of your disability.