Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, you must be found "disabled" under Social Security's definition. By law, Social Security has a very strict definition of who is considered disabled.

If your impairment(s) does not meet or equal a listing, the GRID rules come into play. These rules apply to individuals that have a severe medically determinable physical or mental impairment, are not working at significant gainful activity (SGA) level and the impairment prevents them from performing any of their past relevant work.

Eligibility For SSDI

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applicants must be under 65 years of age and meet the number of work credits required to be eligible.

• Historically, 40 work credits are needed, with 20 of those credits being earned within the last ten years until the year you became disabled.

• You can't do the work that you did prior to becoming disabled.

• You can't perform other work due to your medical condition(s).

• Your medical condition is anticipated to last over a year or result in death.

Eligibility For SSI

• There is no age requirement when applying for Social Security Insurance (SSI) benefits.

• A single person must have less than $2,000 in assets to qualify ($3,000 or less if you have a spouse) and your income must be limited.

• Does not require a recent work history or certain amount of work credits.