1. Work Credits Requirement

To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits through paying Social Security taxes:

• Typically, you need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled.
• Younger applicants may qualify with fewer credits, depending on their age at disability onset.

2. Medical Eligibility

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

• Your impairment must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities.
• The disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• The SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments describing medical conditions that automatically qualify if criteria are met.
• If your condition does not meet a listing, SSA evaluates whether you can do your previous work or adjust to other work.

3. Unable to Work

You must prove you are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA):

• In 2025, the SGA monthly income limit is approximately $1,470 for non-blind individuals and $2,460 for blind individuals.
• If you earn above this, you likely won’t qualify.

4. Duration of Disability

Your disability must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 continuous months, or be terminal.