You Must Have a Qualifying Disability

To qualify for SSDI or SSI, you must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that:

• Has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, or
• Is expected to result in death

Your condition must prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA)—which means you cannot work or earn more than a specific income threshold set by the SSA.

Your Condition Must Be Severe

The SSA only approves claims for conditions that significantly limit your ability to perform basic work-related tasks, such as:

• Walking
• Lifting
• Remembering
• Concentrating
• Communicating

Minor or short-term conditions generally do not qualify.

Your Disability Must Be Listed or Equivalent

The SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments (also known as the Blue Book), which includes medical conditions that are considered severe enough to qualify for disability. If your condition isn’t on the list, you may still qualify if:

• Your impairment is medically equivalent to a listed condition, or
• It prevents you from doing any work—not just your previous job

SSDI Requires a Work History

To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years. The SSA uses a system of work credits to determine eligibility:

• Most people need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years.
• Younger individuals may qualify with fewer credits.

If you haven’t worked enough, you may still qualify for SSI based on financial need.

SSI Is Based on Financial Need

SSI is for individuals with limited income and resources. To qualify, you must meet:

• Strict income limits
• Limits on assets/resources (typically under $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples)
• U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status

Your work history is not a factor in SSI eligibility.

You Must Not Be Earning Above the SGA Limit

The SSA considers you “not disabled” if you earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity limit, which changes each year. In 2025, the SGA limit is:

• $1,550/month for non-blind individuals
• $2,590/month for blind individuals

Earning above these limits generally disqualifies you from receiving benefits.

You Must Follow Prescribed Treatment

The SSA expects claimants to follow recommended medical treatment unless there is a valid reason not to. If you refuse treatment that could restore your ability to work, your claim may be denied.