Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal disability insurance benefit for individuals who have a qualifying work history of paying Social Security taxes (FICA) but are no longer able to work due to a disability. Administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), SSDI requires a formal application through the SSA’s Disability (SSD) determination process.
To qualify for SSDI you must satisfy both the SSA’s strict medical definition of disability and the work credit requirements.
The SSA’s disability standard is very strict. Short-term or partial disabilities do not qualify. All four of the following conditions must be met:
To receive SSDI, you must have work income on which Social Security taxes were paid. As of 2026, you earn 1 credit for every $1,890 in earnings, up to a maximum of 4 credits per year. The number of credits required depends on your age at the time your disability begins.
| Age at Onset | Min. Credits | Duration of Work Test | Recent Work Test | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 24 | 6 credits (1.5 yrs) | 1.5 years | Within 3 yrs before onset | Shorter work periods accepted |
| 24–31 | Half the time worked since age 21 | Half since age 21 | Work record since age 21 | E.g., disability at 27 → 12 credits (3 yrs) |
| 31–42 | 20 credits (within last 10 yrs) | 5 years | Within 10 yrs before onset | "At least 5 yrs worked recently" |
| 44 | 22 credits | 5.5 years | Within 10 yrs before onset | — |
| 46 | 24 credits | 6 years | Within 10 yrs before onset | — |
| 48 | 26 credits | 6.5 years | Within 10 yrs before onset | — |
| 50 | 28 credits | 7 years | Within 10 yrs before onset | — |
| 52 | 30 credits | 7.5 years | Within 10 yrs before onset | — |
| 54 | 32 credits | 8 years | Within 10 yrs before onset | — |
| 56 | 34 credits | 8.5 years | Within 10 yrs before onset | — |
| 58 | 36 credits | 9 years | Within 10 yrs before onset | — |
| 60 | 38 credits | 9.5 years | Within 10 yrs before onset | — |
| 62 or older | 40 credits (max) | 10 years (max) | Within 10 yrs before onset | Same as retirement eligibility |
* Special Rule for Blindness: Individuals who meet the definition of Statutory Blindness are only required to satisfy the Duration of Work Test without needing to meet the Recent Work Test.
SSI is a supplemental living assistance program operated separately from SSD, and it is based on financial need rather than work history. However, since the SSA reviews eligibility for both SSDI and SSI simultaneously when you apply for SSD, you may receive SSI benefits through the SSD application process in the following cases:
*For SSI eligibility criteria (income calculation methods, excluded asset items, etc.) and detailed information, please refer to the SSI page.
