The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses strict criteria to determine your eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. SSA will not consider approving a claim for individuals who do not meet the basic SSDI eligibility criteria. If you are 65 or over, you may be eligible to receive Medicare benefits, and we can help you learn more about your options.
Facts About Social Security Disability & Eligibility
The primary qualifications for SSDI benefits are:
- 12
- MONTHS
- Your illness or injury will prevent you from working for at least 12 months, or is expected to result in death.
- 5
- YEARS
- You have worked and paid (FICA) taxes for a total of five (5) out of the last ten (10) years.
- You fit the SSA definition of disabled: you can’t do work you did before AND you can’t adjust to other work due to your medical condition.
- You must be between the ages of 18-66. Benefits are earned by paying FICA taxes as a working adult, before retirement age.
*These are the basic SSDI eligibility requirements, but there can be exceptions. Contact us if you have questions.