How to Qualify for Disability

Social Security Disability Insurance, often shortened to SSDI or simply "disability," is a social welfare programs that provides individuals with a qualifying disability with a monthly cash stipend. To qualify for disability, you must meet the minimum requirements established by the Social Security Administration. If you qualify for disability, you can then apply for benefits and begin collecting cash benefits every month.

Instructions

• 1

  Meet the age requirements. To qualify for disability, you must be under the age of 65. Those who are over the age of 65 should inquire about Social Security benefits, not SSDI.

• 2

  Have a severe physical or mental disability that prevents you from being able to find gainful employment. The SSA requires disabled individuals seeking disability benefits to suffer from a disability that prevents them from being able to engage in a "substantial gainful activity," or SGA.

• 3

  Determine if the SSA lists your physical or mental disability as a qualifying medical condition. Not all disorders and conditions are considered disabilities by the SSA's guidelines. You can review the qualifying conditions by visiting the SSA's website. If your condition is not listed, you will have to demonstrate that your particular condition is more severe than most others who suffer from it, and that this entitles you to disability benefits.

• 4

  Be disabled in a manner that prevents you from engaging in gainful employment for at least 12 consecutive months. In some cases, you may be able to qualifying for disability if your condition is expected to continue for 12 consecutive months, even if it has not already.

• 5

  Worked for at least five out of the previous ten years, and paid into Social Security during that time. The end of the ten years is determined by the date you were diagnosed by your physician with your disability. You must have worked for five years during the ten years prior to this diagnosis. This requirement is waived for children under the age of 22 who have never worked or who were disabled before they would otherwise be able to work, as long as their parents have worked and paid into the Social Security system.