Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is a federal program designed for individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. This program provides benefits to those who become disabled and are no longer able to work.

Who Can Apply for SSDI?

To qualify for SSDI, the following criteria must be met:

• Work History: Applicants must have worked a certain number of years and paid Social Security taxes (through payroll deductions). Typically, you need at least 5 years of work history in the last 10 years, though younger individuals may qualify with fewer years of work.
• Disability: You must be able to demonstrate that you have a severe, medically determinable condition that prevents you from working. The SSA uses a five-step process to evaluate disability claims, including determining if your condition is severe enough to limit your ability to perform any work.
• Age: SSDI is available to individuals of all ages, as long as they have the required work history.
• Work Capacity: The SSA requires that your disability is expected to last at least one year or result in death. You must not be able to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is defined as earning more than a certain monthly income (for 2025, the limit is $1,470 for non-blind individuals and $2,460 for blind individuals).

What Types of Disabilities Qualify for SSDI?

• Physical conditions such as severe heart disease, lung disease, cancer, or amputations.
• Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder.
• Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, or epilepsy.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a needs-based program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are disabled and have limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. SSI is available to low-income individuals who meet the SSA’s definition of disability.

Who Can Apply for SSI?

To qualify for SSI, you must meet the following requirements:

• Income and Resources: SSI is designed for individuals with limited income and resources. You must have income that is below the SSA’s financial eligibility limits (for 2025, the limit for an individual is $861 per month and $1,261 for a couple). Additionally, your assets must be below $2,000 (or $3,000 for a couple). Resources include things like cash, bank accounts, and property.
• Disability: Like SSDI, you must have a medically verified disability that significantly limits your ability to work. The SSA evaluates your condition using the same process for both SSDI and SSI applications.
• U.S. Citizenship or Legal Residency: To be eligible for SSI, you must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident of the country. Some exceptions exist for certain non-citizens.
• Age and Disability: SSI benefits are available to individuals of all ages who meet the disability criteria. Additionally, children under the age of 18 who meet the SSA’s disability criteria may qualify for SSI benefits as well.

What Types of Disabilities Qualify for SSI?

• Physical conditions like back problems, arthritis, or other debilitating health issues.
• Mental conditions, including intellectual disabilities, autism, and severe mood disorders.
• Chronic medical conditions that significantly limit daily functioning, such as severe asthma, diabetes, or vision impairments.

Children and Minors

Children can also apply for disability benefits through SSI if they meet the SSA’s definition of disability and have limited family income and resources. The child’s disability must be severe enough to limit their ability to function in a typical school or social setting. The application process for children is similar to that of adults, though it includes additional documentation about the child’s medical conditions and their impact on daily activities.

Who Can Apply for Disability for a Child?

• Parent or Guardian: A parent or legal guardian can apply for SSI benefits on behalf of a child who has a disability.
• Child’s Disability: The child’s condition must result in severe limitations in their ability to perform basic activities, such as going to school or socializing.
• Income and Resources: The family’s income and resources must fall below the SSA’s financial limits for SSI eligibility.

Individuals with Medical Conditions or Mental Illness

Individuals with a variety of medical conditions or mental illnesses may qualify for disability benefits under the SSA’s guidelines, as long as their condition significantly impairs their ability to work and is expected to last for at least one year or result in death.

Who Can Apply for Disability Due to Mental Illness?

• Mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and severe depression may qualify individuals for disability benefits if these conditions are severe enough to prevent work.
• Applicants must provide detailed medical evidence from a qualified mental health professional to show the extent of the condition.

Who Can Apply for Disability Due to Medical Conditions?

• People with serious chronic illnesses, like cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, or cardiovascular problems, may be eligible for disability benefits.
• Conditions like arthritis, back problems, and neurological disorders like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease can also qualify.

Individuals with a History of Substance Abuse or Addiction

While substance abuse or addiction alone does not qualify for disability benefits, individuals whose disability is caused by or complicated by substance abuse may be eligible for benefits if their condition meets the SSA’s criteria for disability.

Veterans and Military Service Members

Veterans who are disabled as a result of their military service can apply for disability benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Veterans can also apply for SSDI or SSI if their disability qualifies under SSA guidelines.