MEDICAL ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must have a diagnosed medical condition based on the Social Security Administration’s list of impairments. Additionally, if you have a combination of conditions and/or impairments, you may meet or exceed Social Security’s definition of ‘disability.’ It is important to show your condition and/or impairments are severe, long-term, and interfere with your daily functioning. Under Social Security’s rule, long-term impairments must be expected to last at least 12 months. Social Security must find an individual incapable of “‘substantial gainful employment,” or SGA, lasting for at least a year.
As of 2020, Substantial Gainful Employment is defined by monthly earnings of $1,260 or more, or $2,110 for blind individuals. If the Social Security Administration finds that you are working at the SGA level or higher, you will be considered ineligible for disability benefits.
If individual does not have enough work credits and has a limited income as well as a medical impairment, they may instead be eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI). Requirements for this type of Social Security benefits are strict due to the financial requirements. Individuals will have to contact their local Social Security office for assistance with filing an application to determine eligibility.