Requirements for Social Security Disability

Social Security disability benefits are vital if you can’t work. If you’re eligible for disability benefits, you can get monthly income to help replace your lost wages. However, not everyone with a disability claim will qualify.

To be eligible for Social Security, you must meet work history and disability requirements. For more information about disability eligibility, talk to a Social Security disability lawyer.

Who Is Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who can’t work because of a qualifying medical condition. You must have a prior work history and pay Social Security taxes to qualify for SSDI benefits. Your condition must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability. It must keep you from working and be expected to last for at least one year or result in death.

To qualify for disability benefits, the SSA will determine whether you:

1. Have enough work credits to qualify for Social Security; and
2. Have a medical condition that qualifies as a disability

If you’re a worker, you pay into the Social Security system through your payroll taxes. The federal payroll taxes taken out of your paycheck go towards Social Security and Medicare. Self-employed workers also contribute to these federal programs. Any worker who pays enough for Social Security can get retirement benefits when they reach their retirement age.

What Is the Work History Requirement for SSDI?

If you’re disabled before retirement, you can get disability insurance benefits. But you need to have enough work credits to qualify. You can get up to four work credits per year—one per quarter. In 2024, you need to earn $1,810 to earn one credit. For most workers, this means a minimum 10-year employment history. Younger workers can qualify with fewer credits.

What Medical Conditions Are Eligible for Disability?

For disability benefits, the condition must be total and long-term or permanent. Short-term or partial disability will not qualify. The eligibility requirements for a qualifying disability include:

• Your medical condition prevents you from working in substantial gainful activity (SGA)
• You can’t do the type of work you did before or adapt to other work because of your disability
• Your medical condition has or is expected to last for a year or more or result in death

The SSA has a listing of impairments that generally qualify for a disability. It includes conditions like cancer, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy. If you don’t have one of the listed disabling conditions, the SSA may evaluate you on other factors. This includes whether you have severe functional limitations and can’t do basic work activities.

Who Determines Your Disability Eligibility?

You start the process with a Social Security disability application process. The SSA sends your application to a local Disability Determination Services (DDS) office. They’ll review your application to determine if you qualify as disabled.

Your application includes information about your medical condition, healthcare providers, and medical tests. They may contact your doctor or ask for more evaluations or testing.

The DDS offices use medical and vocational experts to review disability applications. They’ll decide if your medical impairment prevents you from doing any of the work you did in the past five years. If you can’t do the same work, they’ll decide if you can do other work based on your age, work experience, education, and medical condition.

Are You Eligible for Other Benefits?

SSDI is for disabled workers who pay into the Social Security system with their payroll taxes. Some people become disabled without having a chance to work. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for disabled people and older Americans who have low incomes and assets. There’s no work requirement for SSI benefits.

SSI payments give an additional monthly benefit for people struggling to get by. However, the monthly benefit amount is much lower—$967 for individuals and $1,450 for couples in 2025. To qualify, you must meet the SSI income and asset limits. You are eligible for SSI if you don’t earn more than $1,971 per month. You also can’t have assets valued at more than $2,000 or $3,000 for couples.

You can also get Medicare benefits after qualifying for SSDI for two years. Medicare provides health insurance coverage for older people and the disabled. This can help you get the medical treatment you need to manage your medical condition.

You may also qualify for state benefit programs. State benefits can include housing assistance, utility help, low-cost childcare, and food support. Contact your state agency to see if you’re eligible for state disability benefits.

What If Social Security Says You’re Not Eligible?

The application review process can be confusing and take a long time. Unfortunately, the SSA denies a majority of disability applications. However, you can appeal the decision to get the benefits you need. A lawyer can help you get the medical evidence to support your claim and represent you in a disability hearing. If you want to appeal, you can contact a Social Security disability lawyer for help.