You may qualify for SSDI if you have a disability or medical condition that prevents you from working, and you have enough work history paying Social Security taxes. You may qualify for SSI if you have limited income and resources, even if you have little or no work history. Both programs require a medical condition that significantly limits your ability to work for at least 12 months.
How Do I Know If I Qualify for SSDI or SSI?
Social Security reviews both your medical condition and your financial or work history to determine eligibility.
In simple terms:
- SSDI is based on your work history and taxes paid into Social Security
- SSI is based on financial need, age, or disability status
Both require medical evidence showing you cannot perform substantial work activity.
What Is SSDI?
SSDI is a program for people who can no longer work because of a disability. To qualify, you must have worked in the past and paid into Social Security through your taxes.
You may qualify for SSDI if:
- You worked long enough under Social Security
- You earned enough work credits (You typically need 40 credits (roughly 10 years of work), with 20 of those earned in the last 10 years ending with the year your disability begins.)
- Your condition prevents you to perform substantial work activity.
- Your disability is expected to last at least one year or result in death
SSDI benefits are not based on financial need. This means savings, property, or assets usually do not affect SSDI eligibility.
What Is SSI?
Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, is a needs based program for people with limited income and resources.
You may qualify for SSI if:
- You have a disability
- You are blind
- You are age 65 or older
- You have limited income and resources
You can get SSI even if you’ve never had a job. Because it is based on financial need, your income, resources and savings will determine if you are eligible.
Can I Apply for Both SSDI and SSI?
Yes. Many people apply for both programs at the same time.
This is called a concurrent claim. Social Security will review your:
- Medical condition
- Income
- Work history
- Financial resources
We help you apply for both. Applying for both programs allows Social Security to determine which benefits you may qualify for.
What Medical Conditions Can Qualify?
Social Security does not approve benefits based only on a diagnosis. Your condition must seriously limit your ability to work.
Medical records, treatment history, and doctor statements are important parts of any disability claim.
What Happens If My Claim Was Denied?
A denial does not always mean you are not disabled.
Claims are often denied because:
- Medical evidence was incomplete
- Social Security needed more records
- Work history information was missing
- Forms were not filled out correctly
If you are still unable to work, you may still qualify through an appeal or by filing again depending on your situation.
We can help you review your options, understand SSA requirements, and organize medical evidence for your claim.
Why Is Medical Evidence So Important?
Social Security must see proof that your condition limits your ability to work consistently.
The stronger and more consistent the medical evidence is, the easier it becomes for SSA to understand how your condition affects daily functioning.