Work History and Work Credits

To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes. The SSA uses work credits to determine your eligibility:

• You earn up to 4 credits per year based on your annual income
• Most people need 40 total credits, 20 of which must be earned in the last 10 years
• Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits, depending on their age

Check your Social Security Statement or create a mySSA account to verify your credit history.

Disabling Condition That Meets SSA's Definition

Your medical condition must meet the SSA’s definition of disability:

• It must prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA)
• The disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• The SSA evaluates whether your condition prevents you from doing your previous work or any other work

This applies to both physical and mental health conditions.

Listed Impairment or Equivalent Severity

SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments—a collection of severe medical conditions that typically qualify for benefits. If your condition isn’t on the list, you may still qualify if:

• Your symptoms and limitations are as severe as a listed condition
• You provide medical evidence proving your condition prevents you from working

Conditions must be backed by objective medical documentation.

Inability to Perform Substantial Work

SSA uses a five-step process to evaluate your claim, which includes:

1. Are you working above the SGA limit?
2. Is your condition severe?
3. Does your condition meet a listed impairment?
4. Can you do your past work?
5. Can you do any other work?

You must pass all five steps to be approved.

Age, Education, and Work Skills Matter

Your age, education level, and job skills play a role in determining whether you can adjust to other types of work. For example:

• Older applicants may have a better chance of qualifying
• Limited education and specialized work experience may favor a finding of disability