If you want to understand the SSDI eligibility requirements then start here. Not everyone qualifies to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Therefore, if you are wondering, “Who qualifies for SSDI?” this article will help out line certain qualifications. Typically, there are several criteria that the Social Security Administration takes into account when determining your eligibility for SSDI.
While a large part, the SSDI requirements you need to meet do not just relate to your medical condition. When determining SSDI eligibility, the government looks at additional criteria.
Medical SSDI Eligibility Requirements
Your physical and mental well-being and capabilities are taken into account when the government determines your eligibility for SSDI. The Social Security Administration has a list of specific medical conditions you may have in order to qualify for benefits as well as age requirements. They will look at your:
- Digestion or breathing abilities.
- Musculoskeletal system.
- Mental health or neurological system.
- Immune system.
- Skin or blood.
Note, when trying to qualify for SSDI that you must be impaired as a result of your disability or problems with the above systems. A loss of function must have occurred only after you developed the medical condition. In addition, you cannot be doing the same work that you did prior to your injury or condition. Also, your disability needs to last or be expected to last longer than the year. You may also qualify if your prognosis due to injury or illness is your death.
When you apply, be prepared to prove that you meet these SSDI benefits eligibility requirements. The SSA needs to determine that your medical condition prohibits you from working. Therefore, it is important that you can verify this when you apply. Doctor’s notes, charts and records will help with this.
Non Medical Requirements for SSDI
SSDI eligibility is dependent on more than disabilities. There are some additional criteria you need to meet to receive benefits through this program. Review the following requirements.
SSDI Age Requirements
Usually, SSDI benefits are available to adults. Like receiving other Social Security benefits you need to have worked a certain amount of time to receive SSDI benefits. However, for younger workers, there are specific SSDI eligibility requirements for potential beneficiaries who have become disabled. You will simply need to provide additional information to do so. Consult with an SSA worker at your local Social Security Office about your specific circumstances.
Furthermore, you may qualify for SSDI if you are an adult who was disabled before you turned 22 years of age. This is also referred to as a “child” benefit. To receive this, one or both of your parents must be already receiving Social Security retirement benefits or disability insurance. Alternatively, you can qualify if one or both of your parents who qualified for Social Security have passed away.
Working Requirements for SSDI Eligibility
Like Social Security, there are work-related requirements for SSDI eligibility that you need to meet. For example, you need to have 40 work credits in order to receive SSDI. You can earn a maximum of four credits each year and they are based on how much income you earn. Thus, after 10 years of work and having generated sufficient income, you may earn all of your work credits. In addition to the 40-credit requirement, there are SSDI eligibility rules you also need to review. For example, you are required to have earned at least half of your credits within the 10 years before you became disabled. However, the amount of credits you need can be reduced if you are disabled early in your career. For example:
- If you are disabled when you are 24 years of age or younger, you can qualify for SSDI if you have six work credits. You must have earned these credits within the three years before you became disabled.
- If you are disabled when you are between 24 and 31 years of age, you can qualify for SSDI benefits if you worked half of the time between your 21st birthday and when you became disabled.
- If you are disabled after you turn 31 years of age, the number of work credits you need depends on your exact age.
SSDI Eligibility Income Requirements
The financial requirements for SSDI benefits are the number of credits you earn for working, up to 1 per quarter and a certain amount of income per quarter. This income requirement changes by year. Make sure you understand these financial SSDI eligibility requirements before you apply.
