Work Credits Requirement

To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits by paying Social Security taxes through your employment. The number of credits needed depends on your age at the time you become disabled. Generally, you need:

• At least 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled.
• Younger applicants may qualify with fewer credits.

Medical Disability Criteria

Your medical condition must meet the Social Security Administration’s strict definition of disability, which means:

• You have a severe physical or mental impairment.
• The impairment prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA).
• The disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Your condition meets or equals one of the impairments listed in the SSA’s Blue Book.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) Limit

If you are working and earning above a certain monthly income level (SGA), you will typically be considered not disabled. For 2025, the SGA limit is:

• $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals.
• $2,460 per month for blind individuals.

Other Considerations

• You must be a U.S. citizen or have a lawful presence in the United States.
• Your disability must prevent you from performing your past work or any other work suited to your age, education, and experience.