Are You Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits? 10 Signs You Might Be

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. 

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 are some signs that you could be approved for Social Security Disability benefits.

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.

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 2025, if you can't earn more than $1,620 per month, you may qualify for SSDI.

For those who are legally blind, as determined by an optometrist, you may also qualify for SSDI without any other medical limitations. The SSA considers you blind if your vision can't be corrected to better than 20/200 in your better eye or if your visual field is 20 degrees or less, even with a corrective lens.

If you are blind and cannot earn more than $2,700. per month, which is the threshold for substantial gainful activity for a blind person, then you may qualify.

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 have to have enough work history and Social Security work credits to qualify. This is based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income, and according to the SSA, you can earn up to 4 credits each year.

Generally, to qualify for SSDI, you must have at least 40 work credits, and 20 must be earned in the last 10 years ending with the year your disability begins.

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.

SSDI is provided on a long-term basis. If you're unable to work during a short period of illness, you may not be able to 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.

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 for at least 12 consecutive months, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.