1. Work Credit Requirements

SSDI is an insurance-based program, meaning you need to have paid enough into Social Security through your work history. Eligibility depends on:

• Work Credits: You earn up to four credits per year, depending on your annual income. In 2025, one credit is earned for each $1,640 of wages or self-employment income.
• General Rule: You typically need 40 work credits, with 20 credits earned in the last 10 years before your disability began.
• Younger Workers: If you become disabled at a younger age, you may qualify with fewer credits. For example:
• Before age 24: At least 6 credits earned in the 3 years before disability onset
• Age 24 to 31: Credits equal to working half the time between age 21 and the disability onset age

2. Severe Medical Condition

You must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that:

• Prevents you from engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
• In 2025, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,470 per month (or $2,460 per month if blind)
• Is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death

Your condition must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work tasks such as walking, lifting, standing, remembering, or communicating.

3. Meeting SSA’s Definition of Disability

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability. To qualify:

• You must be unable to perform your past work
• SSA must determine you cannot adjust to any other work based on your age, education, and work experience
• Your condition must either meet or equal the criteria of a listed impairment in SSA’s Blue Book or limit you sufficiently that you cannot work

4. Listed Impairments in SSA’s Blue Book

SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments (Blue Book) that details medical conditions considered severe enough to prevent work. Categories include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g. back injuries, joint dysfunction)
• Cardiovascular conditions (e.g. heart failure, ischemic heart disease)
• Respiratory disorders (e.g. COPD, asthma)
• Neurological disorders (e.g. epilepsy, multiple sclerosis)
• Mental disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)
• Immune system disorders (e.g. lupus, HIV/AIDS)
• Cancer

If your condition is not listed, you may still qualify if it limits your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) enough to prevent any work.

5. Non-Medical Eligibility Factors

In addition to medical and work requirements:

• You must be a U.S. citizen or lawful resident
• You must not be engaged in substantial gainful activity above SSA’s income limits
• You must have applied for benefits properly, providing complete and truthful information

6. When to Apply

You should apply as soon as:

• You know your condition will prevent you from working for 12 months or longer
• Your medical providers can provide evidence of your diagnosis, treatment history, and functional limitations

Applying early helps prevent financial gaps during your period of disability.