What are the eligibility requirements for SSDI?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 04/25/2025
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that provides monthly benefits to individuals who can no longer work due to a severe, long-term disability. But before you can receive benefits, you must meet the strict eligibility criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Understanding these requirements is key to a successful application.
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Basic SSDI Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for SSDI, you must meet both medical and non-medical criteria:
Work Credits (Non-Medical Eligibility)
SSDI is funded by payroll taxes, so you must have worked long enough—and recently enough—under Social Security to qualify. This is measured in "work credits."
- You can earn up to 4 work credits per year.
- Most applicants need 20 credits earned in the last 10 years.
- Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits depending on their age.
Disability Status (Medical Eligibility)
SSA defines disability strictly. To be considered disabled, your condition must:
- Prevent you from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), meaning you cannot earn more than a set monthly limit ($1,550/month in 2024 for non-blind applicants).
- Be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities.
- Last—or be expected to last—at least 12 months or result in death.
- Be supported by medical evidence, including records from your doctors, test results, and treatments.
Meeting a Listed Impairment
The SSA maintains a "Listing of Impairments"—a collection of medical conditions that automatically qualify as disabilities if your diagnosis meets the listing criteria. If your condition is not listed, you can still qualify by showing it is equally severe.
Inability to Perform Any Work
If your condition doesn't meet or equal a listing, the SSA will assess whether you can perform:
- Past relevant work (jobs you’ve held within the last 15 years)
- Any other type of work, considering your age, education, and experience
You must prove that you cannot adjust to any other work, not just the job you had before your disability.
Common Qualifying Conditions
While many disabilities can qualify, some of the most common include:
- Severe back disorders
- Heart conditions
- Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, multiple sclerosis)
- Mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD)
- Cancer
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
Each case is unique and must be evaluated individually.
How Hogan Smith Can Help You
At Hogan Smith, we specialize in helping clients understand whether they meet SSDI eligibility requirements. We offer assistance by:
- Evaluating your work and medical history
- Helping you gather medical evidence that supports your claim
- Filing your SSDI application accurately and efficiently
- Guiding you through the appeals process if necessary
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you're unsure whether you meet the
eligibility requirements for SSDI, let us help.
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