SSDI Claims Process

There are two basic components to SSDI eligibility. First, you must meet the earnings requirement by working in jobs covered by Social Security, both recently and for a certain length of time. Second, you must have a medical condition that meets the legal definition of “disability” under the Social Security Act. The SSA will initially determine whether you have met the earnings requirement based on a published formula that takes into account your work history and age at the time of disability.

If the SSA determines that you have met the earnings requirement, it will transfer your claim to a local DDS office in your state. DDS will then decide whether or not your medical condition is severe enough to qualify as a disability. Under the Social Security Act, an individual is considered disabled if he or she is unable to engage in any manner of substantial gainful activity as a result of a severe, medically determinable physical or mental impairment that is expected to last for a year or longer, or result in death. The impairment must be severe enough that you are unable to either perform your current work or engage in any other substantial and gainful employment.

In making this decision, DDS will first look to its published Listing of Impairments. If your condition is on the list and meets the required criteria of the impairment, it will be deemed severe enough that you are incapable of working. You will then be automatically considered disabled and found eligible for SSDI benefits. If your condition is not on the list, or if it does not meet the listed criteria, DDS will then evaluate your medical impairment to determine your residual functional capacity. DDS will consider whether you are capable of engaging in the kind of work you have previously done, in light of your condition. If not, DDS will then decide whether you would be able to perform any other kind of work that exists in the national economy, in light of your medical impairment, work experience, skills, age, and education.