Basic Eligibility Criteria for SSDI

To qualify for SSDI, you must meet two primary requirements:

1. Work History Requirements

• You must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security.
• You must have earned enough work credits, which are based on your annual income and how long you’ve worked.
• Most people need 40 work credits, 20 of which must have been earned in the last 10 years.
• Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

2. Medical Disability Requirements

• You must have a severe medical condition that significantly limits your ability to work.
• The condition must be expected to:
• Last at least 12 months, or
• Result in death.
• Your condition must prevent you from performing:
• Your past work, and
• Any other substantial work in the national economy, based on your age, education, and skills.

How the SSA Defines Disability

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a strict definition of disability. Your condition must be listed in the SSA’s Blue Book or must be shown to be equivalent in severity.

They use a five-step evaluation process, asking:

1. Are you working above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limits?
2. Is your condition severe?
3. Does it meet or equal a listed impairment?
4. Can you perform your past work?
5. Can you adjust to other work?

You must pass through all five steps to be considered disabled under SSDI guidelines.

Other SSDI Rules to Know in Rhode Island

• Citizenship/Residency: You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal resident.
• No Partial Disability: SSDI is only for total disabilities—there is no benefit for partial or short-term disabilities.
• No income/resource limits: Unlike SSI, SSDI doesn’t have income/resource caps. However, working above a certain threshold (SGA) can disqualify you.