If you develop a physical or mental condition that makes it impossible for you to work, you can file a Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claim to receive benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will process your claim and determine whether to approve or deny it.
Here are two reasons a claim may be denied:
1. You haven’t worked long enough
SSA requires applicants to have worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security. Further, a worker should have worked recently enough.
Workers usually get work credits based on total yearly wages or self-employment income. The amount equivalent to one credit changes every year. For example, in 2024, workers earn one credit for each $1,730 in wages or self-employment income.
The number of work credits needed to qualify for disability benefits will depend on your age. Typically, you need 40 work credits, 20 of which should have been earned in the last 10 years (the concluding year being the year your disability begins).
2. You don’t have a qualifying disability
If you meet the above requirement, the SSA will proceed to consider certain factors to determine if your medical condition is a qualifying disability. These include:
- Your medical condition should have made it impossible for you to do your work as you did previously or adjust to other work
- You should be unable to work at the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level because of your medical condition
- Your condition should be on SSA’s list of medical conditions considered “severe” (expected to last a year or result in death). If it’s not, the administration will determine if your condition is severe
Obtain adequate information to confirm you have a qualifying disability before filing an SSDI claim.
If you want to file an SSDI claim, learn as much as you can to increase its chances of being approved.