Eligibility Criteria for Social Security Disability

To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must meet several criteria set by the SSA. These include:

• Work History Requirement
  To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need to have worked a certain number of years and paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. The number of years required depends on your age at the time of your disability.

• Medical Condition
  You must have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability. Your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from performing any substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.

• Listing of Impairments
  The SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments, which is a comprehensive list of medical conditions that automatically qualify for disability benefits if they meet specific criteria. Conditions in the listing are often severe physical or mental impairments, such as certain types of cancer, heart disease, or mental disorders.

• Duration Requirement
  Your condition must last, or be expected to last, for at least 12 months. Temporary disabilities may not qualify unless they are expected to result in death.

• Ability to Work
  You must be unable to perform your previous job or any other work due to your medical condition. The SSA will assess your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC), which is an evaluation of your ability to do work-related activities despite your disability.

How the SSA Evaluates Your Condition

The SSA evaluates your condition through a five-step process to determine if you meet the requirements for disability benefits:

• Step 1: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
  If you’re working and earning more than a set amount (around $1,470 per month in 2025), you will generally not qualify for SSD benefits.

• Step 2: Severity of Condition
  Your condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities, such as standing, walking, or remembering instructions.

• Step 3: Meets a Listed Impairment
  If your medical condition is listed in the SSA’s official Listing of Impairments, you may be presumed eligible for benefits.

• Step 4: Ability to Do Past Work
  The SSA will evaluate if you can still perform your past job. If you can, you will not be eligible for benefits.

• Step 5: Ability to Do Other Work
  If you cannot perform your past work, the SSA will evaluate whether you can adjust to another type of work, considering your age, education, and skills.

How to Prove Your Disability

To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, it’s essential to have strong medical documentation that demonstrates the severity of your condition. The SSA will require detailed medical records, including doctor’s notes, lab results, and opinions from specialists that confirm your inability to work due to your disability.

Work with Your Doctor

Make sure your treating physician provides detailed statements about how your condition affects your ability to work. This can be critical in proving your case.

Common Disabilities That Qualify for SSD Benefits

Some common conditions that may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits include:

• Cancer (in some cases)
• Heart Disease
• Severe Mental Disorders (like depression, bipolar disorder)
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases
• Musculoskeletal Disorders (such as severe back problems)
• Neurological Conditions (including epilepsy or Parkinson’s disease)