Hey everyone, and welcome back to the channel! Today, we’re tackling a big question that many of you have: “What exactly qualifies for disability?” It can seem complicated, but we’re here to break it down simply.
When we talk about disability in the context of Social Security, it’s very specific. The Social Security Administration, or SSA, doesn’t pay for partial or short-term disabilities. For them, a qualifying disability means your medical condition is so severe it prevents you from doing “substantial gainful activity,” which essentially means you can’t work and earn over a certain amount. This condition must have lasted, or be expected to last, for at least 12 months, or result in death.
Think of Social Security Disability as an insurance program. To qualify, you generally need to have worked long enough and recently enough, paying Social Security taxes. This earns you “work credits”. Most adults need 40 credits, which typically means about 10 years of work, with at least 20 of those credits earned in the last decade. There are exceptions for younger workers, though.
Proving your disability relies heavily on strong medical evidence. This means detailed reports and test results from your doctors. The SSA has a list of qualifying conditions, sometimes called the “Blue Book,” but even if your condition isn’t on it, you might still qualify if your impairment prevents you from working. Remember that “substantial gainful activity” we mentioned? In 2025, if you’re not blind, earning more than $1,620 a month generally means you’re not considered disabled by the SSA’s rules.
Now, it’s crucial to understand that Social Security Disability is different from Long-Term Disability, or LTD, insurance. LTD is often a private insurance policy you might get through your employer, and its rules can vary significantly. These policies usually have their own definitions of disability and often require a waiting period, typically three to six months, before benefits begin. They can also cover a broader range of conditions, and may pay if you can’t perform your own specific job, not necessarily any job.
Navigating disability claims can be complex, whether it’s Social Security or private LTD. Always gather thorough medical documentation and, if you’re unsure, consider consulting with a professional who specializes in disability claims. Understanding these qualifications is your first step towards getting the support you need.