Do You Qualify for Disability Benefits? A Simple Checklist to Find Out
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can be overwhelming. Many applicants wonder whether they meet the necessary requirements before filing a claim. To simplify the process, we’ve created an easy-to-follow checklist to help you determine if you qualify.
Understanding Social Security Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides two main types of disability benefits:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) – Available to disabled individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – Designed for disabled individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
The following checklist will help you determine if you are eligible under either or both of the above programs.
Step 1: Are You Currently Working?
SSA uses a 5 step sequential evaluation process to determine if you meet the legal definition of the term “disability”. The first step disqualifies someone for benefits if they have continually engaged in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
In 2025, the monthly SGA limit is:
- $1,550 for non-blind individuals
- $2,590 for blind individuals
If you earn more than these amounts on a continuous basis you are considered not “disabled”. However, exceptions do apply, and an experienced disability attorney can assess your specific situation.
Step 2: Do You Have a Severe Medical Condition?
Your disability must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work-related activities, such as:
- Walking, sitting, or standing for extended periods
- Lifting or carrying objects
- Remembering or following instructions
- Maintaining focus on tasks
The condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
Step 3: Is Your Condition on the SSA’s List of Impairments?
The SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments, which includes conditions that automatically qualify for benefits if they meet specific criteria. Some of these include:
- Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., spinal disorders, joint dysfunctions)
- Cardiovascular conditions (e.g., heart failure, chronic heart disease)
- Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease)
- Mental disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, depression, PTSD)
Even if your condition is not on the list, you may still qualify for benefits if your impairments prevent you from doing your past work or any other job that exisst in significant numbers, considering your age, education, and prior work experience. your ability to work.
Step 4: Can You Perform Past Work?
If it determined that you can performa any of your past relevant work you will be considered not “disabled”. If, other other hand, it is determined that your medical condition prevents you from doing any of your prior jobs, SSA will proceed to step 5 to determine if you are disabled,
If your medical condition prevents you from doing any previous work you’ve done in the last 15 years, you may qualify for disability benefits. SSA will assess your medical records and work history to determine if your impairments prevent you from resuming past employment.
Step 5: Can You Perform Any Other Work?
SSA determines you can adjust to another type of work based on your age, education, and work experience, they may deny your claim. Factors considered include:
- Your ability to perform sedentary, light, or medium work
- Whether skills from past jobs can transfer to new roles
- Your educational background and ability to train for new work
Other Considerations: Have You Worked Enough to Qualify for SSDI?
To receive SSDI benefits, you must have earned enough work credits through past employment. Work credits are based on income and vary by age:
- Most applicants need at least 40 credits (10 years of work), with 20 earned in the last 10 years.
- Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
If you haven’t worked enough, SSI may still be an option if you meet income and resource limits.
Do You Meet the Financial Requirements for SSI?
SSI eligibility is based on income and asset limits. In 2025, the resource limit is:
- $2,000 for individuals
- $3,000 for couples
Income must be below certain thresholds, though some types of income do not count toward eligibility. Our attorneys can help you assess whether you qualify.
The Importance of Legal Representation
Many claims are denied due to technical errors, lack of medical evidence, or incorrect documentation. A disability lawyer can significantly improve your chances of approval by:
- Gathering strong medical evidence
- Ensuring all paperwork is completed correctly
- Representing you in filing applications and prosecuting all appeals through the federal court level.
- Increasing the likelihood of a favorable decision
At Green & Greenberg, we have a deep understanding of SSDI and SSI claims and have helped thousands of clients secure the benefits they deserve. Let us help you navigate the process and fight for your rights.
Next Steps: Contact Green & Greenberg Today
If you believe you qualify for disability benefits, don’t go through the process alone. Contact Green & Greenberg today for a free consultation. Our team will assess your eligibility, help you file a strong claim, and represent you if your case requires an appeal.
📞 Call us today or visit our website to get started.