What is Required for SSDI Eligibility?

First, you must prove that you are physically or mentally impaired. Second, you must have accrued enough work credits. You must have: 

● Worked within the last 10 years before becoming disabled 

● Be unable to work due to limitations on your condition 

● Be unable to return to the work you did previously 

● Be unable to adapt to a new type of work based on age, skills, or education 

● Earned enough work credits, according to your age, to qualify 

Disability Determination Services will evaluate your condition based on the records and documentation you provide to back up your disability claim. 

What else you should know: 

Short-term disabilities are not regarded as a qualifying condition. You are not eligible if you earn more than $1,470 per month, which is equal to the maximum payment for SSDI. However, if you work some but don’t make enough for it to be considered SGA, you might still be eligible. 

There is a mandatory 5-month waiting period before payments will start if approved. 

What is Required for SSI Eligibility? 

SSI eligibility is not dependent on work credits. You may be eligible for SSI benefits if you meet most or all of these requirements: 

● Must be at least age 65 or be blind or disabled; 

● Have limited income and resources; 

● Be a citizen or a national of the U.S. or an alien who meets certain requirements; 

● Reside in one of the 50 states or the District of Columbia 

● For single recipients in 2023, SSI payments will be $914; for married couples who both qualify, the amount will be $1,371.