When applying for Social Security Disability benefits, many people understandably focus on the medical side of their claim—after all, a serious injury or illness is the primary reason for seeking disability benefits. However, while your medical conditions play a critical role in determining eligibility, they are not the only factor the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers.
In fact, there are several non-medical requirements that must also be met to qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. These criteria can be just as important as your medical records, and often, claimants overlook them, leading to delays or denials in their cases. To help you prepare, we’ve outlined the key non-medical requirements for a successful SSD claim.
1. Work History and Work Credits
One of the first non-medical criteria the SSA looks at is your work history. Social Security Disability benefits are generally available to those who have worked and paid into the Social Security system. The number of work credits you need depends on your age when you become disabled.
Work Credits: In most cases, you earn work credits by working and paying Social Security taxes through your job. For 2025, you earn one credit for every $1,640 in earnings, up to a maximum of four credits per year.
Required Credits: The number of work credits you need to qualify for SSDI varies based on your age. Typically, you need 40 credits, with 20 of them earned in the last 10 years. However, younger applicants may qualify with fewer credits. For example, if you're under 31, you may qualify with as few as six credits.
If you haven’t worked enough to earn sufficient credits, you may still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs-based program for low-income individuals, but the eligibility requirements differ from SSDI.
2. Age
Your age also plays a role in determining how many work credits you need. Generally speaking:
Under 24: You need 6 credits in the past 3 years before you became disabled.
24-31: You need credits for half the time between age 21 and when your disability began.
31-42: You need 12 credits.
43-54: You need 18 credits.
55 and older: You need 22 credits.
This is important because younger individuals may have a lower threshold for qualifying, whereas those closer to retirement age will need a more extensive work history to meet the SSA’s requirements.
3. Citizenship or Legal Residency
You must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident to receive Social Security Disability benefits. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you may still be eligible, but you need to meet additional criteria, such as having a qualified immigration status and residing in the United States for a certain period.
It’s important to ensure that your legal status is clear and that all relevant documentation is up-to-date to avoid complications during the application process.
4. Income and Resources (For SSI Applicants)
If you're applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rather than SSDI, there are strict income and asset limitsthat you must meet. SSI is designed for individuals with limited income and resources.
Income: The SSA considers all sources of income, including wages, savings, investments, and any other financial assistance you receive.
Resources: SSI also has limits on the amount of assets you can have. For example, the asset limit is typically $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. This includes savings accounts, retirement funds, and other financial resources. Certain items, like your home and car, may not count toward this limit.
It’s important to fully disclose all of your income and assets to the SSA to avoid any potential problems.
5. Application Process and Timeliness
The timing of your application can be a crucial factor in meeting the SSA's non-medical requirements. Generally, you must file your disability claim within five months of the date you became disabled for SSDI benefits to be paid back to that point.
Additionally, you should be aware of the initial application process and ensure that your information is complete and accurate. Errors or missing information can lead to delays or denials, so it’s essential to carefully fill out the application and provide all necessary supporting documentation, including your work history and income details.
6. Residency Requirements
You must reside in the United States or its territories to receive SSD or SSI benefits. If you are temporarily outside of the country, there are rules that limit your ability to receive benefits, so make sure your residency status aligns with the SSA's requirements.
7. Continuing Eligibility and Reporting Requirements
Even once your claim is approved, the SSA will periodically review your case to determine if you are still eligible for benefits. This process is known as a continuing disability review (CDR). During these reviews, you’ll need to continue to meet both the medical and non-medical requirements, including maintaining your work credits and reporting any significant life changes, such as earning above the allowable income threshold or moving outside of the United States.
Conclusion
While your medical condition is a crucial element of your Social Security Disability claim, the SSA also considers several non-medical factors when determining eligibility. From meeting work history requirements and age criteria to ensuring proper citizenship and residency status, these elements must be carefully met to ensure the best chance of approval.
If you're unsure about how these non-medical requirements apply to your case, it’s essential to consult with an experienced Social Security disability attorney. They can guide you through the application process, help you gather the necessary documentation, and ensure that your claim meets all the SSA's requirements—both medical and non-medical.
At Law Offices of Christopher Le we have years of experience navigating the complexities of Social Security Disability claims. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get the expert assistance you need to file a successful claim.
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