Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial assistance to over eight million Americans who can no longer work due to a serious medical condition.
However, qualifying for SSDI is not easy, as applicants must meet strict medical and work history requirements. So, how do you know if you qualify?
Medical Conditions
The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a Listing of Impairments, which includes medical conditions severe enough to prevent an individual from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA).
Most conditions on the list are either permanent, expected to result in death, or must last for at least 12 continuous months. If an applicant’s condition meets or equals the severity of a listed impairment, they are generally considered disabled and qualify for SSDI benefits.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for SSDI, applicants must satisfy two key requirements:
Work History Requirements (WHR)
Applicants must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and earned enough work credits. Work credits are based on yearly wages or self-employment income, with a maximum of four credits earned per year.
Generally, an individual needs 40 credits, which equates to about 10 years of work. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
Medical Condition Requirements (MCR)
The applicant’s medical condition must:
- Prevent them from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA)
- Render them unable to perform previous work
- Last (or be expected to last) at least 12 months or result in death
If these criteria are met, an applicant may be eligible for SSDI benefits.
Condition Isn’t Listed
If a condition is not explicitly listed in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, an applicant may still qualify for benefits if they can prove that their condition is as severe as a listed impairment.
In such cases, the SSA conducts a five-step evaluation to determine disability status:
- Are you working? (If you are earning above the SGA limit, you may not qualify.)
- Is your condition severe? (It must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities.)
- Is your condition in the Listing of Impairments? (If yes, you may be approved immediately.)
- Can you perform past work? (SSA checks if you can still do your previous job.)
- Can you do any other type of work? (If you cannot adjust to another type of work, you may qualify.)
Payments
There is a five-month waiting period before SSDI payments begin. However, benefits may be available retroactively for up to 12 months before the filing date if the disability existed during that time.
If you believe you qualify for SSDI, it’s essential to gather medical records, work history details, and other supporting documents before applying. The process can be complex, but for those who meet the criteria, SSDI provides critical financial support.
FAQs
How many work credits are needed for SSDI?
Most applicants need 40 credits, or about 10 years of work.
What is the SSDI waiting period?
There is a five-month waiting period before benefits start.
Can I qualify if my condition isn’t listed?
Yes, if you can prove it is as severe as a listed impairment.
How long must my condition last to qualify?
It must last at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.
Can I work while receiving SSDI?
You may earn limited income but cannot exceed the SGA limit.
