Basic Qualifications for Disability Benefits

To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits—either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)—you must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) criteria in two main areas: medical and financial/work-related.

You Must Have a Severe Medical Condition

The SSA defines a disability as a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that:

• Prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA)
• Has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• Is supported by verifiable medical evidence such as doctor’s reports, test results, or hospital records

Your condition must either meet or equal a listing in the SSA’s "Listing of Impairments" or significantly limit your ability to work.

You Must Be Unable to Work

To be approved for disability, the SSA must determine that:

• You can’t do your previous work, and
• You can’t adjust to other work based on your age, education, and past experience

This is called the five-step evaluation process, where the SSA examines your ability to perform any job—not just your former one.

You Need to Meet Work History or Financial Criteria

Your eligibility also depends on which program you're applying for:

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): You need a sufficient number of work credits (earned through payroll taxes).
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): This is for individuals with limited income and resources, and it doesn’t require a work history.

What Conditions Typically Qualify?

Common medical conditions that may qualify include:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes with complications
• Cancer
• Chronic pain
• Autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
• Mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, or bipolar disorder

Note: Even if your exact condition isn’t listed, you may still qualify if your symptoms severely limit your ability to function.

Signs You May Qualify for Disability Benefits

You may qualify if:

• You haven’t been able to work for at least 12 months
• You have frequent doctor visits and ongoing treatments
• You experience chronic pain or mental health limitations
• Your doctor agrees that you are unable to work
• You’ve earned enough work credits (for SSDI), or meet income/resource limits (for SSI)