Meet the Definition of Disability

To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI or SSI), you must meet the SSA's definition of disability. This definition includes:

• Severe Impairment: Your condition must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work-related tasks, like walking, sitting, or remembering instructions.
• Duration: Your condition must last for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. Short-term or temporary disabilities are generally not eligible for Social Security Disability benefits.
• Inability to Work: Your disability must prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). This means you are unable to perform your past job or any other type of work that exists in the economy.

Work History for SSDI

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a sufficient work history and have paid Social Security taxes. Here’s how the SSA determines whether you have worked enough to qualify:

• Credits: SSDI is based on your work history, and you need to earn a certain number of work credits. You can earn up to four credits each year based on your income. The number of credits needed to qualify for SSDI depends on your age at the time of disability:
• Under 24: You typically need 6 credits (about 1.5 years of work).
• Age 24-30: You typically need 12 credits (about 3 years of work).
• Age 31 and older: You typically need 20 credits (about 5 years of work).
• Recent Work: In addition to having enough credits, you must have worked recently enough before becoming disabled. Generally, you need to have worked 5 out of the last 10 years to qualify for SSDI.

Qualify Based on Financial Need for SSI

If you have limited work history or did not work enough to qualify for SSDI, you may still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on financial need rather than your work history.

• Income Limits: To qualify for SSI, your income must be below the SSA’s established limit. This includes earned income (from work) and unearned income (such as social security payments, pensions, or other benefits).
• Resource Limits: SSI also has strict limits on the amount of resources (assets) you can have. The SSA considers things like bank accounts, real estate, and personal property. As of 2025, the limit for an individual is $2,000 in assets and $3,000 for a couple.

Meet the Medical Criteria for Disability

The SSA uses a Listing of Impairments to determine whether your condition meets the requirements for disability benefits. If your condition matches one of the listed impairments, you may automatically qualify for benefits. The SSA includes a wide range of medical conditions, including:

• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Cardiovascular conditions
• Mental disorders
• Cancer
• Neurological conditions
• Respiratory diseases

If your condition is not on the Listing of Impairments, the SSA will evaluate your ability to perform work and whether your condition severely limits your functional abilities.

Be Prepared to Provide Detailed Medical Evidence

A crucial part of your application is providing thorough and detailed medical documentation that proves the severity of your condition. This includes:

• Doctor’s notes
• Test results (such as MRIs, blood tests, X-rays)
• Treatment records (hospitalizations, medications, therapy)
• Physician’s opinion about your ability to work and the impact of your condition on daily activities

The more comprehensive and current your medical records are, the stronger your case will be.

How the SSA Evaluates Your Ability to Work

The SSA evaluates your ability to work in a five-step process:

• Step 1: Are you working? If you are working and earning above a certain income threshold (the substantial gainful activity limit), you will not be considered disabled.
• Step 2: Is your condition severe? The SSA will determine if your condition significantly limits your ability to do basic work tasks.
• Step 3: Does your condition meet or equal a listed impairment? If your condition matches a listing, you may automatically qualify for benefits.
• Step 4: Can you do your past work? The SSA will evaluate whether you can still perform your previous job.
• Step 5: Can you do other work? If you can’t do your past job, the SSA will assess whether there are other jobs that you can do considering your condition, age, education, and work history.

The Appeals Process If Denied

It’s important to know that many Social Security Disability claims are denied initially. If you are denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process includes:

• Reconsideration: A review of your case by a different examiner who will look at any new evidence you submit.
• Hearing before an ALJ: If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), where you’ll have the opportunity to present your case in person.
• Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your case, you can request a review by the Appeals Council.
• Federal Court: If the Appeals Council denies your case, you may be able to take your case to federal court.