Social Security Disability in the US is a vital safety net for individuals who become disabled and are unable to work. It provides financial assistance to those who meet specific criteria. However, qualifying for SSDI is not automatic, and the application process requires individuals to meet stringent eligibility requirements. In this article, we will explore the key factors that determine eligibility for SSDI, including work history, medical condition, age, and other considerations.

1. Work History and Social Security Credits

The first major eligibility requirement for SSDI is a strong work history. The Social Security Administration (SSA) operates SSDI as an insurance program, meaning that individuals must have paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes (FICA) to qualify for benefits.

To be eligible, applicants must have earned enough Social Security credits, which are based on their total yearly wages or self-employment income. In 2024, for example, a worker earns one credit for every $1,640 in earnings, with a maximum of four credits per year. The number of credits required to qualify for SSDI depends on the applicant’s age at the time of disability. Typically, an individual needs 40 credits, 20 of which must have been earned in the 10 years immediately preceding the disability. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits because they haven’t had as much time to build their work history.

2. Medical Condition and Disability Criteria

Having a qualifying medical condition is essential to receiving SSDI benefits. The SSA has strict definitions of what constitutes a disability. To be considered disabled under SSA rules, the condition must meet these primary requirements:

• Severity and Duration: The condition must be severe enough to significantly limit the applicant’s ability to perform basic work-related activities, such as walking, sitting, lifting, or remembering. Moreover, the disability must be expected to last at least one year or result in death.
• Inability to Perform Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): Applicants must be unable to engage in what the SSA calls “substantial gainful activity.” In 2024, the SGA threshold for non-blind individuals is $1,470 per month. If someone earns more than this amount, they generally will not be considered disabled for SSDI purposes, even if they have a medically qualifying condition.
• Listing of Impairments: The SSA maintains a “Listing of Impairments,” which details specific medical conditions that are automatically considered severe enough to qualify for benefits. Conditions on the list include specific diseases, mental disorders, and physical disabilities. Even if a condition isn’t listed, applicants can still qualify if their impairment is equivalent in severity to a listed condition.

3. Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) Assessment

If an applicant’s condition is not on the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, the agency conducts a Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) assessment. This process evaluates the individual’s ability to perform any work, despite their medical condition, by examining their physical and mental abilities. The RFC assessment determines what kinds of tasks the individual can still do (e.g., light or sedentary work) and whether they can transition to a different kind of job given their impairments, age, education, and work experience.

4. Age and Vocational Factors

Age plays a critical role in SSDI eligibility, especially when combined with work experience and educational background. As individuals age, the SSA recognizes that transitioning to new kinds of work may become more difficult. For this reason, the SSA has created different grids that determine eligibility for older applicants, particularly those over 50.

• Younger Applicants (under 50): Younger workers typically must prove they cannot perform any work, not just the job they held previously, which can make it harder for them to qualify.
• Applicants Age 50 and Older: As individuals reach age 50 or older, the SSA acknowledges that retraining or transitioning to new work becomes more challenging. For older applicants, the SSA will consider their previous work experience and education more closely. Applicants between 50 and 54 have more lenient requirements than younger applicants, and those 55 and older are subject to even more favorable criteria.

5. Non-Medical Factors

Apart from the medical and vocational factors, other considerations can affect SSDI eligibility. For example:

• Income and Assets: SSDI has no strict limit on income from sources such as savings or investments. However, if the applicant is engaged in work that produces more than the SGA amount, they are likely to be deemed ineligible.
• Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs): Once approved for SSDI, beneficiaries are subject to periodic reviews of their medical condition to ensure that they still qualify for benefits. The frequency of these reviews depends on the likelihood of medical improvement.

6. Applying for SSDI

Applying for SSDI benefits can be a lengthy and complicated process. Many initial applications are denied, so it is critical to ensure all documentation is in order. This includes medical records, work history, and any additional information requested by the SSA. If denied, applicants have the right to appeal, and many successful SSDI claims result from appeals rather than the initial application.

Walker Firm, operating under the client-facing brand Casa de la Justicia, helps Spanish-speaking clients with their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims. Based in Los Angeles, CA, and founded in 2022, we maintain a remarkable over 70% hearing win rate, surpassing the national average of 55%. With our robust media strategy, we attract over 2,000 clients annually. In addition, we partner with other local attorneys to ensure the thousands of injured Latinos that call us daily have access to experienced Spanish-speaking attorneys for all their needs, including worker’s compensation, auto accidents and slip and fall cases. For expert SSDI support and broader legal services, we are your go-to resource.

Qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance involves meeting strict eligibility requirements related to work history, medical condition, age, and vocational factors. It’s essential for applicants to understand these requirements and gather comprehensive documentation before applying. Navigating the SSDI process can be complex, and many individuals benefit from consulting with an experienced attorney or advocate to improve their chances of a successful claim.