5.1 The Eligibility Checklist

THE ELIGIBILITY CHECKLIST

In the previous section, we looked at what the Social Security Administration (SSA) will consider when deciding your claim. Before applying for Disability Benefits, it helps to recap by completing the following checklist.

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI),

First, do you meet one of these conditions?

You’ve been disabled for at least one year.
You expect to be disabled for at least one year.
You have a medical condition that’s expected to result in death within a year.

Can you prove that you are currently unable to make a living wage due to your disability?

Do you earn less than the current minimum for SGA despite your disability

In 2024, Substantial Gainful Activity is $1,550/month

Is your disability severe enough to keep you from doing the work you know how to do?

Do you have enough medical evidence to support your claim, including medical opinions, exams, X-rays, and personal medical history?

Have you worked at least 5 of the past 10 years? Do you have enough work credits?

Are you no longer able to perform at jobs like those found in your work history?

Do you have paperwork that proves your identity, residence, income and work history?

Note:

If you have a disability but you have not worked 5 of the past 10 years, you may qualify for SSI.

If you have a disability, but your income level is below a certain threshold, you may qualify for SSI.

To qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

First, do you meet one of these conditions?

You’ve been disabled for at least one year.
You expect to be disabled for at least one year.
You have a medical condition that’s expected to result in death within a year.

Can you prove that you are currently unable to make a living wage due to your disability?

Do you earn less than the current minimum for Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) despite your disability?

In 2024, Substantial Gainful Activity is $1,550/month

Is your disability severe enough to keep you from doing the work you know how to do?

Do you have enough medical evidence to support your claim, including medical opinions, exams, X-rays, and personal medical history? Do you have paperwork that proves your identity, residence, income and work history? Do your total assets (cash in checking and savings accounts; stocks and bonds) amount to less than the following?