1. Have a Qualifying Disability

To qualify for SSDI, your condition must:

• Be a physical or mental impairment that prevents you from performing substantial work.
• Be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Meet or equal the criteria listed in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, or show that you are unable to work at any job consistent with your skills, education, and age.

Common qualifying conditions include severe back injuries, heart disease, mental health disorders, or neurological conditions — but almost any medical condition can qualify if it significantly limits your ability to work.

2. Meet Work Credit Requirements

SSDI is based on your work history. You must have earned enough work credits by paying Social Security taxes:

• Generally, you need 20 credits in the last 10 years, with credits earned based on your age at disability onset.
• You earn credits based on your annual income, up to 4 credits per year.
• Younger applicants may qualify with fewer credits.

If you do not meet the work credit requirement, you may still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is need-based rather than work-based.

3. Not Engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

The SSA uses the concept of Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) to determine if you are still disabled.

• In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,550 per month for most non-blind individuals and $2,590 per month for blind individuals.
• If you earn above this amount, the SSA may determine that you are no longer disabled, even if your condition persists.

Part-time or limited work is allowed as long as it remains below the SGA threshold.

4. Provide Sufficient Medical Evidence

Your SSDI claim must include detailed medical documentation proving your disability.

• Medical records from treating physicians and specialists
• Hospital records, test results, and lab reports
• Statements describing how your condition limits your ability to work and perform daily activities

Strong, well-documented evidence is crucial for approval, especially if your condition is not on the SSA’s list of impairments.

5. Be a U.S. Citizen or Lawfully Present

You must be:

• A U.S. citizen, or
• A lawfully present non-citizen in South Carolina

Certain non-citizens may also qualify, such as green card holders or those with valid work authorization.

6. Age and Education Considerations

If your disability prevents you from doing past work, the SSA also considers:



• Your age — older applicants may have a higher chance of approval if retraining is unlikely
• Education level — limited education may make it harder to adapt to other work
• Skills and work experience — transferable skills are considered in determining if you can perform other jobs