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Who qualifies for SSDI depends on meeting both a medical and a work-history standard set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). These SSDI requirements can be complex, so understanding what’s needed can help you determine if you should apply and how to strengthen your application.
At Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys, we’ve helped more than 10,000 clients with their disability claims. Our experienced Social Security Disability attorneys want to help you understand exactly what it takes to qualify for SSDI benefits.
How To Qualify for SSDI
Those who may qualify for SSDI must be individuals who meet both medical and work-related requirements set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). To be eligible, applicants must have a qualifying disability that prevents them from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) continuously and has lasted, or can be expected to last, at least 12 months or result in death.
SSDI benefits are designed for those who can no longer work due to a severe physical or mental impairment. Parties who may qualify for SSDI must be:
- An adult with a qualifying disability who cannot work
- A minor child of a disabled person
- Stepchildren and grandchildren of a disabled person, under certain circumstances
- A spouse, if you are 62 years old or you care for your spouse’s minor child under 16
- A widow/widower of a deceased spouse
- A disabled divorced spouse, under certain circumstances
- Young adults who are disabled before age 22
Each of these individuals may be eligible for SSDI benefits, but specific conditions apply. Eligibility can vary depending on a person’s unique circumstances and their relationship to the disabled worker.
Because SSDI qualifications differ from case to case, it’s essential to understand which rules apply to your situation. Fortunately, our Phoenix disability attorneys are here to guide you through the process and help you determine your eligibility.
Exceptions for Blindness and Expedited Processing
Two exceptions apply to the general medical standard above. Special rules apply for individuals who are blind, and certain severe conditions, such as acute leukemia, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), and pancreatic cancer, are eligible for expedited processing to speed up benefit approval.
Disability and the Work Credits System
The Social Security Disability program determines eligibility based on work credits, which reflect how long you’ve worked and paid into Social Security. You can earn up to four work credits per year, and the number required for SSDI eligibility depends on your age at the time you became disabled.
If you’re over 31, you typically need at least 20 credits to qualify. Those who become disabled before age 24 must have earned at least six credits within the three years prior to their disability. For individuals between the ages of 24 and 31, you must have worked and earned credits for at least half the time between the age of 21 and the onset of your disability.
Do Work Credits Determine How Much Social Security Disability I Get?
Work credits don’t determine how much Social Security Disability you get. The number of work credits you have does not determine how much your Social Security disability payments will be. Your average earnings from work determine how much your SSD payments are.
Who Qualifies for SSDI?
Several groups can qualify for SSDI, depending on their relationship to a disabled or deceased worker: adults with a qualifying disability, spouses, surviving spouses, divorced spouses, children, and young adults disabled before age 22. Each group meets a different set of requirements, covered below.
Adults With Disabilities
If you are an adult who becomes disabled, you must meet the following requirements to get SSDI:
- You have a disabling medical condition. It can be an illness, injury, or disease.
- Medical issues prevent you from performing substantial, gainful work.
- You can no longer do the work you were doing, but you also can’t do other types of work.
- It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to work for at least one year or longer, or your condition is likely to result in death.
- You have enough employment history to qualify for benefits.
Spouses of Disabled Workers
If you are the spouse of a disabled worker, married for at least one year, and 62 years old or older, you may receive SSDI payments based on your spouse’s work history. If you collect a higher Social Security payment based on your own earnings record, you are not eligible.
Alternatively, if you care for your spouse’s minor child, who is under the age of 16 or disabled, you may meet the requirements for SSDI eligibility.
Surviving Spouses of Deceased Workers
If you are the surviving spouse of a deceased worker, you may qualify for SSDI payments if you were married for at least 9 months and meet one of the following:
- You are 60 years old or older
- You are 50 years old or older, and you have a disability
- You are caring for your spouse’s child, who is under 16 years old or has a disability
Divorced Spouses
It’s possible to receive SSDI based on your ex-spouse’s work history. Qualifications for SSDI based on an ex-spouse’s work history can be complex. It depends on your age, whether you have a disability yourself, whether your ex-spouse is collecting benefits, and your current marital status.
You must claim benefits from your own earnings record if it would result in a higher payment. Alternatively, if you care for your deceased spouse’s minor child, you may qualify for that reason.
Children of Disabled or Deceased Workers
The minor child of a disabled worker may receive benefits. Benefits may continue until age 18 or 19 for students in full-time lower education. Stepchildren and even grandchildren may meet SSDI eligibility under certain circumstances. The disabled worker must meet the qualifications to receive SSDI for a child to receive payments.
Adults Who Develop a Disability Before Age 22
A young adult may have a disability before age 22. They may receive benefits if their parent receives SSDI or Social Security retirement benefits. An adult with a disability before age 22 does not need work history, but they must not have substantial earnings. These are the same Disabled Adult Child benefits described in more detail on our dedicated DAC benefits page.
Attorneys Who Assist With SSDI Eligibility in Arizona
Pekas Smith Disability Attorneys help people navigate complex SSDI qualification standards. For a free consultation about your situation, please contact us.
Our attorneys can determine whether you qualify for benefits and help you apply for them. We’re also ready to answer any questions you may have regarding SSDI.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prove I can’t work to qualify for SSDI in Arizona?
You can prove you can’t work to qualify for SSDI in Arizona by relying on the SSD Blue Book List of Impairments and submitting medical records, including doctor notes, test results, and treatment history, which can provide evidence of your inability to work. The Social Security Administration may also consider vocational evaluations to determine if any work is possible.
How does SSA handle SSDI applications for serious illnesses?
SSA handles SSDI applications for serious illnesses through expedited review, so certain serious or terminal conditions can speed up the application process. Conditions like Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) and pancreatic cancer may qualify for expedited review, but most other applications follow the standard timeline.
How long does it take to get SSDI approved?
Processing times vary depending on the complexity of your case and the severity of your condition. Some serious or terminal illnesses are fast-tracked, but standard applications can take eight months to a year, and appeals may take even longer.
Will my SSDI eligibility change if I return to work?
Yes, your SSDI eligibility can change if you return to work. Eligibility is based on an inability to perform substantial gainful activity, so returning to work above certain income thresholds may impact your eligibility or monthly benefit amount.
What happens if my SSDI claim in Arizona is denied?
If your SSDI claim in Arizona is denied, you can appeal the decision. The appeals process will likely involve reconsideration, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, and, potentially, review by the Appeals Council or a federal court. What to expect at a disability hearing explains this stage of the process in more detail. Most applicants find that having legal assistance from a disability law firm can improve their chances of appealing claims and ensuring they meet the qualifications.
How many work credits do I need to qualify for SSDI?
The number of work credits you need to qualify for SSDI depends on your age when you become disabled. If you’re over 31, you typically need at least 20 credits. Those disabled before age 24 need at least 6 credits earned in the prior 3 years, and those between 24 and 31 need credits covering half the time since turning 21.
Can my spouse or child receive SSDI benefits based on my disability?
Yes, in some cases. A spouse age 62 or older, or a spouse of any age caring for your child under 16, may qualify based on your work record, as can your minor children. A surviving spouse may also qualify under separate rules if you pass away.
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