1. Work Credits Requirement

SSDI is an insurance program funded through your payroll taxes. To qualify, you must have earned enough work credits. Generally:

• You earn one work credit for every $1,730 in wages or self-employment income (2025 amount)
• You can earn up to four credits per year
• Most applicants need at least 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled

Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits depending on their age at the time of disability.

2. Severe Medical Condition

You must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that:

• Significantly limits your ability to perform basic work activities
• Has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months, or result in death

3. Meeting or Equaling a Listed Impairment

SSA’s Blue Book (Listing of Impairments) outlines medical conditions that can qualify for SSDI if specific criteria are met, including:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (severe back injuries, joint disorders)
• Neurological conditions (epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease)
• Cardiovascular diseases (heart failure, coronary artery disease)
• Respiratory disorders (COPD, severe asthma)
• Mental disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia)
• Cancer, immune system disorders, and other severe conditions

Even if your condition is not listed, you may still qualify if it limits your ability to work significantly.

4. Inability to Engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

To be eligible for SSDI:

• You must not be able to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to your medical condition
• In 2025, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,550 per month ($2,590 if blind)

If your earnings exceed this limit, SSA generally considers you not disabled, regardless of your condition.

5. Inability to Perform Past or Other Work

SSA will assess whether:

• You can perform any of your past relevant work despite your condition
• You can adjust to other types of work based on your age, education, and transferable skills



If SSA determines you can do other types of work, your claim may be denied.