Eligibility for Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits
If you’ve worked and earned a paycheck, you’ve contributed to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), a program meant to replace lost wages if a disability prevents you from working. Whether your condition arises from an injury or illness, these benefits are there to support you when you need them most. Unfortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) applies a strict definition of disability and a rigorous evaluation process to every application. With nearly two-thirds of initial claims denied, the process can be complex, frustrating, and overwhelming for many applicants.
Eligibility is the cornerstone of receiving SSDI benefits, and understanding the criteria is essential to a successful claim. While the system can be complex, professional legal guidance can increase your chances of approval, helping you navigate the application process or pursue options after a denial.
Qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance
Qualifying for SSDI hinges on having a medical condition that prevents you from working permanently. The Social Security’s strict definition of disability is that:
- Your earning capacity has been permanently and significantly reduced
- You have a long-term injury or condition expected to last at least a year or result in death
- You cannot engage in any substantial gainful activity in any job for 12 months or longer
- Your condition matches or is as severe as one listed in the SSA’s official list of impairments.
You must also demonstrate that you qualify based on your work history and the social security taxes you have paid. Specifically, you must show that you’ve earned enough “work credits” during the last five out of the ten years. The Social Security Administration assigns “work credits” based on your annual earnings, with a maximum of four credits attainable each year. In 2025, you earn one credit for every $1,810 in wages or self-employment income; thus, earning $7,240 secures all four credits for the year.
To be eligible for disability benefits, you must meet the requirements of both the recent and duration work tests. The number of credits required to satisfy the recent work test varies based on the age at which your disability began:
- Before age 24: You may qualify with six credits earned three years before your disability onset.
- Ages 24 to 31: Generally, you may qualify if you have credits for working half the time between age 21 and the onset of disability. For instance, becoming disabled at 27 typically requires 12 credits (three years’ work) from the past six years.
- Age 31 or older: Typically, at least 20 credits earned in the 10 years immediately before your disability begins are necessary.
Steps Involved in Determining if You Have a Qualifying Disability
Determining if you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits involves a thorough five-step evaluation process:
- Current Employment Status: If you’re engaged in substantial gainful activity (SGA), defined in 2025 as earning more than $1,620 monthly ($2,700 for blind individuals), you generally won’t qualify.
- Severity of Condition
- Condition being on the list of SSA medical conditions
- Ability to perform past work
- Ability to adjust to other work
However, special rules may apply to people with blindness or low vision, surviving spouses with disabilities, and children with disabilities.
Contact a London Social Security Disability Lawyer Today
If you meet these criteria or have issues with your Social Security disability claim, contact our experienced London and Southeast Kentucky Social Security disability attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm today.
Source:
cbsnews.com/news/disability-claims-spike-mire-backlogged-system/
