{"id":353899,"date":"2023-09-08T14:11:02","date_gmt":"2023-09-08T19:11:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/socialsecurity\/disability\/are-you-eligible-for-social-security-disability.html"},"modified":"2026-03-04T13:36:05","modified_gmt":"2026-03-04T18:36:05","slug":"are-you-eligible-for-social-security-disability","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/disability\/are-you-eligible-for-social-security-disability.html","title":{"rendered":"Am I Eligible for Social Security Disability?\u200b"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Am I Eligible for Social Security Disability?\u200b<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jennifer Steinberg, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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To be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, you must have a medical condition<\/span> that prevents you from working. You must be unable to earn a \u201csubstantial\u201d income because of your condition. The government uses specific criteria based on your work history<\/span>, medical evidence<\/span>, and more.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you can\u2019t work because of a disability, you may qualify for benefits from the federal government. The Social Security Administration<\/span> (SSA<\/span>) manages these benefits. You can receive benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance<\/span> (SSDI<\/span>), the Supplemental Security Income<\/span> (SSI<\/span>) disability programs, or both.<\/p>\n

You must show the proper evidence to be eligible for SSDI<\/span> benefits<\/span> or SSI<\/span> benefits<\/span><\/a>. Many people get a denial of benefits the first time they apply. Sometimes, the SSA<\/span> denies benefits<\/a> because the evidence failed to show that the claimant met all the eligibility requirements<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Seeking disability benefits<\/span> can be a complex process. You may want to work with a disability law attorney<\/a> for help with your application and any other legal needs related to your condition.<\/p>\n

How the SSA<\/span> Determines Eligibility for Social Security <\/span>Disability Benefits<\/span><\/h2>\n

The SSA<\/span> determines whether you\u2019re eligible for disability payments based on non-medical and medical criteria. Non-medical criteria generally include your finances and prior work. Medical criteria focus on how your medical <\/span>impairment<\/span> affects your ability to work.<\/p>\n

Non-Medical Requirements<\/h3>\n

Each program has different non-medical eligibility requirements<\/span>. Your past <\/span>work<\/span> history<\/span>, income level, and current job could affect whether you\u2019re eligible for SSDI<\/span> or SSI<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

For SSDI<\/span> eligibility, you must have worked long and recently enough. You must have \u201cpaid into” the system through Social Security taxes<\/span> and have enough qualifying work credits<\/span>. Work credits<\/span> are based on your earned income over the years.<\/p>\n

For SSI<\/span> eligibility, you must have limited income and resources. For children, this requirement relates to their parents\u2019 income and resources.<\/p>\n

You cannot earn more than $1,690 per month in 2026 for either program. This amount is $2,830 for people who are blind. These amounts are “substantial gainful activity<\/span><\/a>” (SGA<\/span>) levels. The SSA<\/span> updates the income amounts each year.<\/p>\n

Say you meet the non-medical eligibility requirements<\/span>. What happens next? The SSA<\/span> forwards your disability application<\/a> to a state agency. This agency is the Disability Determination<\/span> Services (DDS<\/span>). The DDS<\/span> will evaluate the remaining requirements.<\/p>\n

Medical Condition<\/span> Requirements<\/h3>\n

The DDS<\/span> looks at medical criteria to decide whether your condition meets the SSA<\/span>\u2019s definition of disability<\/span>. The condition can involve either a physical or mental <\/span>impairment<\/span><\/a>. The SSA<\/span>\u2019s rules don\u2019t include short-term disability<\/span> or partial disability.<\/p>\n

For the SSA<\/span> to find you disabled, you must meet the following medical criteria:<\/p>\n