Retirement Social Security

10 Signs You Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits

These signs could pave your way to Social Security Disability benefits.

man with arm injury using laptop
Updated Jan. 22, 2025
Fact checked

Injuries or illness can strike at any age, but if you've worked for years, you may expect the government to help you. That's where Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) comes in. 

You'll want to find out if you qualify for SSDI and what goes into the application process before you retire and any health issues arise.

Here's what you need to know to be approved for Social Security Disability benefits.

Steal this billionaire wealth-building technique

The ultra-rich have also been investing in art from big names like Picasso and Bansky for centuries. And it's for a good reason: Contemporary art prices have outpaced the S&P 500 by 136% over the last 27 years.

A new company called Masterworks is now allowing everyday investors to get in on this type of previously-exclusive investment. You can buy a small slice of $1-$30 million paintings from iconic artists, all without needing any art expertise.

If you have at least $10k to invest and are ready to explore diversifying beyond stocks and bonds, see what Masterworks has on offer. (Hurry, they often sell out!)

What is SSDI?

H_Ko/Adobe disabled woman filing employment form

SSDI, often referred to as just "disability," is a type of payment made to qualified individuals by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This monthly payment can help provide for many of the needs of qualified individuals.

Since this type of financial aid is only available to those who have a disability that limits or even eliminates their ability to work, it's critical to understand if you meet the SSA's definition of disabled.

Want to learn how to build wealth like the 1%? Sign up for Worthy to get ideas and advice delivered to your inbox.

You can't work at all

Drazen/Adobe african american nurse helping patient walk

You may qualify for SSDI if you can't work. Under the SSA guidelines, this means you have some condition that limits you from earning enough money above "substantial gainful activity."

This figure differs from year to year. In 2024, if you can't earn more than $1,550 per month, you may qualify for SSDI.

You're legally blind

Halfpoint/Adobe senior blind man using public transport

For those who are legally blind, as determined by an optometrist, you may also qualify for SSDI without any other medical limitations.

If you are blind and cannot earn more than $2,590 per month, which is the threshold for substantial gainful activity for a blind person, then you may qualify.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources

Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.

How to become a member today:

  • Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today” 
  • Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions 
  • Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

You’ll also get insider info on social security, job listings, caregiving, and retirement planning. And you’ll get access to AARP’s Fraud Watch Network to help you protect your money, as well as tools to help you plan for retirement.

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $15 the first year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

You can support your disability claim

Nina L/peopleimages.com/Adobe senior couple with therapist at clinic

Here's the key to being eligible: You have to be able to prove it, and the SSA requires that proof include extensive medical documentation showing your disability and the degree to which it prevents you from earning an income.

To determine if you meet these requirements, you'll need to look at the SSA's Listing of Impairments for adults. You may qualify if you have medical documentation of one of these conditions and can show licensed medical doctor records.

You've worked enough years

Nicholas Felix/peopleimages.com/Adobe disabled female web designer using tablet

You have to have enough work history to qualify. This means you've worked for at least five of the last 10 years. If you're under 24, you may be eligible if you've worked for a shorter period.

This is defined as the number of work credits you have. To qualify for SSDI, you must have at least 40 work credits, and 10 must be within the last decade.

You paid into Social Security during your work history

.shock/Adobe diverse colleagues collaborating in modern office

If you worked but didn't pay into the Social Security system, you may not qualify for SSDI. Most people pay into SSA with every paycheck they earn, much like paying federal or state taxes.

If you worked an under-the-table job or your employer didn't report your earnings to SSA, you may have difficulty proving you meet the work eligibility requirements.

You're not going to get better

Valerii Apetroaiei/Adobe woman undergoing radiation therapy besides nurses

SSDI is only provided on a long-term basis. If you're unable to work during a period of illness, you can't apply for SSDI.

Instead, if you can't work and the condition is expected to last for a year or longer or result in your death, you may qualify.

Your condition is severe

auremar/Adobe occupational therapist helping patient to walk

SSDI is meant for those with serious conditions that make it impossible for a person to work.

SSA defines severe as conditions where you can't do activities necessary for work, such as walking, sitting, standing for long periods, or lifting. You may also qualify if you can't remember things due to a mental defect.

You meet the compassionate allowance requirements

Gorodenkoff/Adobe senior patient resting in geriatrics ward

There's typically a waiting period to determine if your condition will improve. However, if you meet any of the SSA's compassionate allowances, you can apply for and get SSDI immediately.

Compassionate allowances are for those who have particular conditions like pancreatic cancer, Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), or acute leukemia.

In 2023 Americans lost over $10 billion to identity theft and fraud

That's right. According to the FTC, Americans lost over $10 Billion to fraud and identity theft in 2023.

But you can safeguard your data with all-in-one identity theft protection services from Aura which comes with $1,000,000.00 in identity theft insurance1per adult, to cover you should you have eligible identity theft-related losses.

An individual plan starts at $9 per month, and you can choose a family plan that outmatches most others - includes Dark Web monitoring to scour data breaches and leaks for your sensitive personal data — such as Social Security numbers (SSN), Medicare information, and phone numbers.

Before you make your next online purchase, protect what you’ve built for a fraction of what it could cost you if your data were compromised.

Save up to 68% when you sign up for protection today!

You can't do other types of work

Nomad_Soul/Adobe veteran shifting on wheelchair from car

Disability often focuses on a person's ability to do the job they've been doing in the past. However, if you can't do any work due to your medical condition, that could indicate you're eligible.

If you have transferable skills that could be used in another industry that would be possible to manage your medical impairment, you may not qualify for SSDI.

You see a specialist routinely

Tyler Olson/Adobe female physiotherapist helping senior patient walk

If you are unsure if you meet the requirements for obtaining SSDI, consider the type of doctors you visit.

If you see a specialist consistently, such as for multiple sclerosis, heart disease, Parkinson's disease, or Huntington's disease, you likely qualify for SSDI if your condition is debilitating.

Bottom line

Nomad_Soul/Adobe disabled military man using laptop

If you meet these criteria, applying for SSDI is straightforward. You can start the process online or visit your local SSA office.

Even if you don't qualify, the SSA can help you explore other programs, such as Supplemental Security Income, to help you have a stress free retirement.


Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details