Meet the Work History Requirements

One of the primary qualifications for SSDI is that you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain amount of time. The number of work credits you need depends on your age at the time you become disabled.

• Work Credits: You earn work credits by working and paying Social Security taxes on your earnings. In 2025, you can earn one credit for every $1,640 in earnings, up to a maximum of four credits per year.
• How Many Credits Do You Need?
• Generally, you need 40 credits to qualify for SSDI, with at least 20 of those credits earned in the last 10 years before your disability began.
• Younger workers (under age 31) may qualify with fewer credits. The number of credits required depends on your age when you become disabled:
• Age 24 to 31: You typically need 6 credits earned in the last 3 years.
• Under age 24: You typically need 6 credits earned in the last 3 years.
• Age 31 and older: You generally need 40 credits, 20 of which must have been earned in the 10 years prior to becoming disabled.

Prove You Have a Qualifying Disability

To qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have a disability that meets the SSA’s definition of disability. The SSA defines disability as an inability to work due to a medical condition that:

• Is expected to last for at least 12 months, or
• Is expected to result in death.

The SSA also uses a list of impairments, known as the Listing of Impairments, to evaluate your disability. If your condition matches one of the impairments listed and meets specific severity criteria, you may be automatically eligible for SSDI. Some common qualifying conditions include:

• Chronic heart conditions
• Certain types of cancer
• Neurological disorders
• Mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety
• Severe musculoskeletal impairments

If your condition is not listed, the SSA will evaluate whether it is of equal severity to a listed impairment.

Prove You Are Unable to Perform Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

To qualify for SSDI, you must prove that your disability prevents you from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). SGA refers to work that earns a certain income level. In 2025, if you earn more than $1,470 per month (or $2,460 if you are blind), the SSA will likely determine that you are not disabled, as your earnings exceed the SGA threshold.

If you are able to work and earn above the SGA level, your application for SSDI will likely be denied. However, if you cannot perform SGA due to your disability, you may qualify for benefits.

Understand the Five-Step Evaluation Process

The SSA evaluates your SSDI claim through a five-step process to determine whether you meet the criteria for disability benefits:

• Step 1: Are You Working?
• If you are working and earning more than the SGA limit, your claim will be denied.
• Step 2: Is Your Condition Severe?
• Your disability must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work tasks, such as standing, walking, or concentrating.
• Step 3: Is Your Condition Listed?
• If your condition is on the SSA’s List of Impairments, you may automatically qualify for SSDI.
• Step 4: Can You Do Your Past Work?
• The SSA will assess whether your disability allows you to perform the work you did in the past. If not, the review moves to the next step.
• Step 5: Can You Do Any Other Work?
• If you cannot do your past work, the SSA will assess whether you are able to perform any other work, considering your skills, age, education, and work experience.

Submit a Complete Application

To apply for SSDI benefits, you’ll need to submit a detailed application to the SSA. You can apply online, by phone, or in person at your local SSA office. Your application will require:

• Personal Information: Basic details, including your Social Security number, work history, and contact information.
• Medical Records: Information about your disability, including doctor’s notes, medical records, test results, and any relevant treatments or hospitalizations.
• Work History: Detailed records of your employment and earnings over the past 15 years.

Filling out the application accurately and completely is crucial for avoiding delays or denials. Any missing or incomplete information can slow down the process.

Be Prepared for a Possible Denial

It’s important to understand that many SSDI claims are denied initially. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process involves several stages, including reconsideration, a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), and possibly further appeals.