Non-Medical Requirements for Social Security Disability Explained

When applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, most applicants understandably focus on the medical side of their claim—after all, a serious injury or illness is usually the reason for seeking disability benefits. However, while your medical conditions are essential to determining your eligibility, they aren’t the only factors the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers. There are several non-medical requirements that must also be met to qualify for Social Security Disability. These criteria can be just as important as your medical records and are often overlooked, leading to delays or denials in the claim process.

To help you prepare, here’s a breakdown of the non-medical requirements for Social Security Disability and what you need to know.

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 typically available to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system. The number of work credits you need to qualify for SSD benefits depends on your age at the time you become disabled.

Work Credits: 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 depends on your age when you became disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 of them earned in the last 10 years. However, younger applicants may qualify with fewer credits. For instance:

• If you’re under 24, you might qualify with as few as 6 credits.
• Between 24-31 years old, you may need credits for half the time between age 21 and the date your disability began.
• Applicants over the age of 50 may require more credits, often as many as 22.

If you don’t have enough credits to qualify for SSD, you may still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a needs-based program for individuals with limited income. However, the eligibility criteria for SSI are different from SSD.

2. Age

Your age plays a significant role in determining how many work credits you need. The SSA has different requirements for individuals of varying ages. Here’s a quick overview:

• Under 24: You need 6 credits in the 3 years before you became disabled.
• 24-31: You need credits for half the time between age 21 and the date your disability began.
• 31-42: You need 12 credits.
• 43-54: You need 18 credits.
• 55 or older: You need 22 credits.

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 SSD benefits. Non-citizens may still be eligible if they meet additional criteria, such as having a qualified immigration status and residing in the U.S. for a certain period. Make sure your legal status is clearly documented and up-to-date to avoid complications in the application process.

4. Income and Resources (For SSI Applicants)

If you’re applying for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) rather than SSD, there are strict limits on income and resources that you must meet.

• Income: The SSA considers all sources of income, including wages, savings, investments, and other financial assistance.
• Resources: SSI also has limits on the amount of assets you can have. For example, the resource limit is typically $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. This includes savings, retirement funds, and other assets. However, certain items, like your home and car, may not count toward this limit.

It’s essential to fully disclose all of your income and assets to the SSA to avoid any potential issues.

5. Application Process and Timeliness

Timing is crucial in the SSD application process. You must generally file your disability claim within five months of becoming disabled to receive benefits retroactive to that date.

Additionally, accuracy in completing your application is vital. Missing or incorrect information can delay the process or result in a denial. Be sure to provide complete and accurate details, including your work history, income information, and any supporting documentation.

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 limitations on receiving benefits, so make sure your residency status aligns with SSA’s requirements to prevent any delays in your claim.

7. Continuing Eligibility and Reporting Requirements

Even after your SSD claim is approved, the SSA will periodically review your case to determine if you still meet both the medical and non-medical requirements. This is called a Continuing Disability Review (CDR). You must continue to meet work credits and other criteria, such as reporting significant life changes, including income or changes in residency. Failure to report these changes could lead to a loss of benefits.

Conclusion

While your medical condition plays a significant role in your Social Security Disability claim, the SSA also considers several non-medical factors when determining eligibility. These include meeting work history requirements, having the appropriate number of credits based on your age, ensuring proper citizenship or residency, and complying with income limits if applying for SSI. By understanding and meeting these non-medical requirements, you can increase your chances of a successful SSD claim.

If you’re unsure about how these non-medical requirements apply to your specific situation, consulting with an experienced Social Security disability attorney can provide valuable guidance. They can assist you with navigating the complexities of the SSA’s requirements and help you gather the necessary documentation to support your claim.

At the Law Offices of Christopher Le, we specialize in guiding clients through the Social Security Disability claims process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get the expert help you need to navigate your SSD case effectively.