How to Find Out if You Are Eligible for SSDI Benefits | Beacon Disability

How to Find Out If You’re Eligible for SSDI Benefits

If you’re considering applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you may be wondering how to find out if you’re eligible.

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, we’re going to discuss how to determine whether you may be eligible for SSDI benefits.

Step 1: Review the SSDI Eligibility Criteria

You’ll want to be familiar with the basic eligibility requirements for SSDI benefits.

Generally speaking, you must:

Have a qualifying disability that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA)
Have earned enough work credits through your past employment

Step 2: Check Your Work Credits

You can determine whether you’ve earned sufficient work credits by referring to your:

Social Security Statement, or
My Social Security account online

Alternatively, you can contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) directly.

📝 The number of work credits required varies depending on your age at the time you became disabled.

Step 3: Assess Your Disability

Next, evaluate whether your condition meets the SSA’s definition of a qualifying disability.

To qualify:

Your condition must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work-related activities
It must last at least one year or be expected to result in death
Your impairment must be supported by objective medical evidence

Step 4: Review the SSA Blue Book

The Social Security Administration refers to a medical guide called the Blue Book (officially, the Listing of Impairments).

You can review the Blue Book to see if your condition matches one of the listed impairments.
Even if your exact diagnosis isn’t listed, it may still qualify based on its severity and limitations.

Step 5: Consider Your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC)

If your disability doesn’t meet a specific listing in the Blue Book, you may still be eligible if your Residual Functional Capacity (RFC) is significantly limited.

RFC is an evaluation of what you’re still able to do despite your impairments.
A medical professional or vocational expert can help assess your RFC and determine whether your limitations prevent you from performing any substantial work.

Step 6: Contact the Social Security Administration

If you’re still unsure about your eligibility or have questions about your specific situation, it’s always a good idea to contact the Social Security Administration directly.

They can provide personalized guidance and help clarify any concerns you may have.

Thanks so much for watching.
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