Individuals with Severe Disabilities

To qualify for disability benefits through the SSA, applicants must have a condition that is severe enough to prevent them from working. The disability must meet the SSA’s definition of a "disability," which is as follows:

• Physical Disability: This includes conditions that limit mobility or the ability to perform basic physical tasks, such as severe back pain, paralysis, or chronic illnesses like heart disease or kidney failure.
• Mental Health Disability: This includes conditions like severe depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or anxiety disorders that prevent the individual from functioning effectively in a work environment.
• Combination of Conditions: Many individuals have more than one condition that prevents them from working, such as a combination of physical and mental health issues. These combined conditions can still qualify for disability benefits if they are disabling enough to prevent work.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Recipients

SSDI is available to individuals who have worked for a certain number of years and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes (FICA). You may be eligible for SSDI if:

• You’ve Worked and Paid Social Security Taxes: SSDI is for people who have a sufficient work history. Generally, you need to have worked for at least five out of the last ten years, though the exact amount depends on your age.
• You Have a Qualifying Disability: In addition to meeting the work requirements, you must have a disability that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• You Are No Longer Able to Perform Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): SSDI is specifically for individuals who cannot work and earn more than a set amount (currently around $1,470 per month as of 2025).

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Recipients

SSI is a needs-based program for individuals with disabilities who have limited income and resources. You do not need a work history to qualify for SSI, but you must meet certain criteria:

• Low Income and Limited Resources: To qualify for SSI, you must have limited income and resources (e.g., savings, investments). As of 2025, the resource limit for SSI is $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple.
• Disability: You must have a qualifying disability, just like SSDI applicants, and be unable to work due to your condition.
• U.S. Citizenship or Qualified Non-Citizen Status: You must be a U.S. citizen, national, or a qualified non-citizen (e.g., a lawful permanent resident).

Children with Disabilities

Disability benefits are also available to children under 18 who have severe disabilities. Children may qualify for SSI benefits if they meet the following criteria:

• Disability: The child must have a medically determinable impairment that results in marked and severe functional limitations, and the disability must have lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
• Income and Resources: The child’s family income and resources must fall below the SSI limits, which are based on the household’s total income and resources.

In some cases, children with disabilities may also qualify for SSDI if they have a parent who is disabled or deceased and has worked enough to qualify for Social Security benefits.

Disabled Workers Over Age 50

In certain situations, individuals over age 50 who are no longer able to work due to disability may qualify for SSDI even if their disability is less severe. This is because the SSA takes age into account when evaluating your ability to transition to a different type of work. Older individuals who cannot perform their previous job may be found eligible for disability benefits, even if they can do some other type of work.

Veterans with Service-Connected Disabilities

Veterans who have disabilities related to their military service may qualify for VA Disability Benefits. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers disability compensation to veterans who are disabled by an injury or illness that occurred during active military service. These benefits are separate from Social Security disability benefits but can be used in conjunction with them.

• Service-Connected Disability: Veterans who have disabilities that are linked to their time in the military can apply for VA disability benefits. The VA assigns disability ratings based on the severity of the condition, and the amount of compensation increases with higher disability ratings.

People with Chronic Health Conditions

Individuals with chronic health conditions that significantly impact their ability to work may qualify for disability benefits, provided the condition meets the SSA’s disability criteria. Some examples include:

• Cancer: Depending on the type and stage, cancer may qualify for disability benefits if it limits the individual’s ability to work.
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases: Conditions like COPD, asthma, or cystic fibrosis can make it difficult for individuals to maintain employment.
• Heart Conditions: Severe heart conditions that require frequent medical attention and limit one’s physical ability to work can lead to disability benefits eligibility.
• Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral palsy can also qualify an individual for benefits.

Those Unable to Work Due to Injuries

Individuals who have sustained severe injuries in accidents or other situations and are unable to return to work may qualify for disability benefits. This could include injuries such as:

• Severe Broken Bones or Paralysis: Disabilities resulting from severe injuries can prevent someone from performing their job duties.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): A TBI can lead to cognitive, physical, and emotional impairments that prevent work.
• Severe Burns or Amputations: Injuries that result in long-term disabilities can also be grounds for receiving disability benefits.

Individuals with Mental Health Disabilities

Those with mental health conditions that severely limit their ability to function in a work environment may be eligible for disability benefits, including individuals with:

• Major Depressive Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

The SSA recognizes the disabling effects of certain mental health disorders, provided they meet the severity criteria outlined in the Listing of Impairments.