Who Qualifies for Social Security Disability?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is available for disabled individuals who cannot work or have a limited ability to work. According to the Center for American Progress, nearly one out of every six working-age Americans, which is about 29.5 million people, has a disability. This supplemental income can help you buy groceries or pay bills to help make up for your inability to work. However, most people work with disability attorneys because this process can be complex. In this article, we'll cover what you need to know about eligibility.

When people say disability, this can mean several things. The Social Security Administration, or SSA, has specific guidelines to help determine whether an individual qualifies as disabled. An applicant must not be capable of substantial gainful activity because of their medical condition. They may have to make adjustments to work or not be capable of adjusting to new work due to their disability. In more severe cases, a disease has to last for at least one year or be expected to result in death. For example, a concussion usually does not qualify a person for disability but a neurological disorder that is degenerative will. A disability attorney can determine what you qualify for.

You earn work credits every year that you work and pay into Social Security via taxes. The SSA has a breakdown on this formula, and each individual gets one credit for every $1,640 they make. You can get a maximum of four credits per year. Most people have to have at least 20 credits if they are at least 31 years old. However, younger applicants can qualify with fewer credits. A 21-year-old may qualify with only six work credits. This can be flexible depending on when the disability began. However, if you've never worked, you won't be eligible. Social Security considers when the disability began and how many work credits you had before that.

People often confuse SSI and SSDI. Because of that, many parents accidentally apply for SSDI for their disabled children. However, SSDI is directly tied to your previous work and earnings history. This calculates how much money you will get and whether you qualify. Children have never worked or paid into the system, so they don't qualify for this payment type. Instead, children usually qualify for SSI. This type of income is based on the resources available. A disability attorney can help you learn the differences.