Find Out if You Qualify for Disability Benefits
Social Security pays benefits only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial or short-term conditions. To qualify, you must be totally disabled with a medically determinable condition that has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 consecutive months or result in death.
Social Security Considers you Disabled If:
You cannot do work that you did before.
Your condition significantly limits your ability to do basic tasks such as lifting, standing, walking, sitting, and remembering.
You cannot adjust to other work because of your medical condition(s).
Your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months (1 year) or to result in death.
Social Security Eligible Disabilities
In 2025 if your average monthly earned income is more than $1470, which is the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, you are not disabled under Social Security's Guidelines.
The following is a quick overview of the impairments that can qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
Contact Disability Benefits at 1-866-334-4070 to speak to one of our Accredited SSA and VA Disability Representatives or simply fill in the form below to get more information and help from our experts in determining what disability benefits you may be eligible for.
Eligibility Questions Answered
SSDI is based on your work history and medical condition.
Medical Eligibility
- Your condition must prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (earning above a certain amount).
- It must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
- SSDI covers total disability only, not partial or short-term conditions.
Work History Requirements
- You must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security.
- You need to have earned sufficient work credits (generally 40 credits total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began).
- In 2025, you earn 1 credit for every $1,810 in wages or self-employment income, up to 4 credits per year.
- Note: Younger applicants may qualify with fewer credits.
Important Considerations
- Waiting Period: There is a 5-month waiting period after your disability begins before benefits can start.
- Family Benefits: Your spouse, former spouse, and children may also be eligible for benefits once you qualify.
SSI is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
Financial Requirements
- Limited Income: Your monthly income must be below a specific threshold (e.g., $967/month for individuals, $1,450/month for couples in 2025).
- Limited Resources: Your countable assets must be $2,000 or less for individuals, or $3,000 or less for couples. (Exempt assets include your home, one vehicle, and personal items).
Personal & Residency Eligibility
- You must be age 65 or older, blind, or disabled (based on SSA's definition for adults or children).
- Must be a U.S. citizen or a qualifying lawful resident.
- Must live in one of the 50 states, D.C., or the Northern Mariana Islands, and not be absent from the U.S. for 30+ consecutive days.
Important Considerations
- Needs-Based: SSI does not require a work history to qualify.
- Other Benefits: You cannot be confined to a government-funded institution and must apply for any other benefits you may be eligible for.
- Medicaid Eligibility: If you're eligible for SSI, you may also qualify for Medicaid in most states.
VA disability compensation is for veterans with service-connected conditions.
Military Service & Condition
- You must have served on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty training.
- Your discharge must be under conditions other than dishonorable.
- You must have a current physical or mental condition that was caused by, or made worse by, your military service. This is known as a service-connected disability.
- Types of Claims: Conditions can be related to service in-service, conditions made worse by service (pre-service), or conditions that appeared after discharge but are service-related (post-service).
Presumptive Conditions & Benefits
- Presumptive Conditions: For certain conditions, the VA presumes they are service-connected (e.g., chronic illnesses within 1 year of discharge, toxic exposure, POW-related conditions), meaning you don't need to prove the direct link to service.
- Benefit Payments: Benefits are tax-free monthly payments, with the amount dependent on your disability rating (0–100%). Additional benefits like housing grants or Special Monthly Compensation may apply for severe disabilities.
Important Considerations
- Discharge Status: If you have an "other than honorable," "bad conduct," or "dishonorable" discharge, you may need to apply for a discharge upgrade or request a VA Character of Discharge review to qualify.