Determining whether you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits involves meeting both medical and technical criteria set by the Social Security Administration. Understanding the basic requirements can help you assess your situation before beginning the application process. For SSDI, you must meet two requirements. First, you must have a qualifying disability — defined by the SSA as a physical or mental condition that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA) and that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
The SSA evaluates how your condition limits your ability to work, not just your diagnosis. Second, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a sufficient number of years to be insured. Most applicants need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the past 10 years. For SSI, there is no work history requirement. Instead, you must have a qualifying disability (using the same medical definition as SSDI) and your income and assets must fall below program limits.
SSI is also available to individuals age 65 and older who meet the financial criteria, even without a disability. The SSA uses a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine disability. It considers whether you are currently working above the SGA threshold, whether your condition is severe, whether it meets or equals a listed impairment, whether you can return to past work, and whether you can perform any other work given your age, education, and work experience.
Because the evaluation is complex and outcomes depend on how your limitations are documented and presented, many applicants benefit from professional guidance.
Our team at Grech Law Firm Attorney & Counselor helps Michigan residents assess their eligibility and navigate the application process. Contact us for a free consultation.
