Do You Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?
Are you wondering if you may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits?
My name is Kaitlin Wildoner, and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better. Today, I’m going to talk about some of the eligibility criteria for Social Security Disability benefits.
What Are the Basic Requirements for Disability Benefits?
First, you must have a qualifying disability that prevents you from working.
The Social Security Administration defines a disability as a medical condition that:
- Has already lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, or
- Is expected to result in death, and
- Prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
Your Condition Must Be Severe
Your condition must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities, such as:
- Lifting
- Standing
- Walking
Work History and SSDI Eligibility
To be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have earned a sufficient number of work credits. The number of credits you need depends on your age at the time of disability, but typically, you must have worked five of the last ten years.
Income Limits and SSI Eligibility
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, your income and assets must fall below certain thresholds. SSI is designed to assist people who are disabled and have limited financial resources.
You Must Not Be Engaged in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
To qualify, you must not be working above the SGA limit. As of the recording of this video, if you are earning more than $1,470 per month in gross earnings, or working more than 20 hours per week, the Social Security Administration may determine that you are engaged in substantial gainful activity—and therefore not eligible for benefits. In 2025, the substantial gainful activity amount has been increased to $1,620 per month in gross earnings.
You Must Be Unable to Perform Any Type of Work
Finally, you must be unable to perform:
- Your past work, or
- Any other type of work that exists in the national economy.
The Social Security Administration considers your:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
…when determining whether you can perform any other type of job, not just the one you used to do.
If you’re disabled and unable to work, we’re here to help. Click this scheduling link or call us directly to schedule a free consultation where we’ll discuss your case and see how we can help you.
