Applying for Social Security Disability benefits can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re already dealing with the physical and emotional toll of a serious medical condition. One of the most common questions people ask is, “Do I even qualify for Social Security Disability?” Understanding the eligibility criteria is the first and most important step in determining whether you should move forward with a claim. While every case is unique, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a well-defined process to evaluate applications. Knowing what they look for can save you time, frustration, and unnecessary setbacks.

To begin with, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is designed for people who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. This is different from Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is needs-based and doesn’t require work history. So the first question to ask yourself is: Have I worked long enough, and recently enough, to qualify for SSDI?

The SSA uses a system called “work credits” to determine eligibility. In general, you need 40 work credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you became disabled. Most people earn four work credits per year if they have steady employment, so if you’ve worked for at least five of the past ten years, there’s a good chance you meet this requirement. However, if you’re younger, the requirement is adjusted since you haven’t had as much time to accumulate credits.

Once your work history is established, the next question is whether your medical condition qualifies as a disabilityunder Social Security’s rules. Not every health issue is considered disabling. The SSA maintains a “Listing of Impairments”—often referred to as the “Blue Book”—which outlines medical conditions that are automatically considered severe enough to prevent someone from working. These include conditions like certain cancers, neurological disorders, chronic respiratory illnesses, and severe mental health disorders.

However, even if your condition isn’t listed, you may still qualify if you can prove that your illness or injury prevents you from doing substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2025, the monthly income threshold for SGA is $1,550 for non-blind individuals and $2,590 for blind individuals. If you’re earning more than that, your application is likely to be denied unless you can show that your income is irregular, temporary, or due to special circumstances.

The SSA uses a five-step process to evaluate whether you are disabled:

1. Are you working? If you are earning more than the SGA limit, your claim will typically be denied.
2. Is your condition “severe”? It must significantly limit your ability to do basic work activities like walking, lifting, standing, or remembering, and it must last—or be expected to last—at least 12 months or result in death.
3. Is your condition on the SSA’s list of disabling conditions? If yes, you may be automatically approved.
4. Can you do the work you did previously? If your condition prevents you from doing any of your past jobs, the SSA moves to the next step.
5. Can you do any other type of work? The SSA will consider your age, education, work experience, and physical or mental limitations to determine whether you could reasonably be expected to perform another job.

Medical documentation is a key part of this evaluation process. Your claim should include records from doctors, hospitals, clinics, and any other health care providers you’ve seen. This might include test results, diagnoses, treatment plans, and statements from physicians about how your condition affects your daily life. The more detailed and consistent your medical evidence, the better your chances of approval.

Many applicants are denied on their first attempt—not necessarily because they aren’t eligible, but because their application lacks sufficient detail or doesn’t clearly meet SSA guidelines. That’s why it’s important to be thorough and, if possible, seek guidance from a disability attorney or advocate. These professionals understand how the system works and can help you build the strongest case possible.

In conclusion, to know if you qualify for Social Security Disability, start by reviewing your work history and current income, then evaluate whether your medical condition significantly limits your ability to work. If your condition is severe, long-term, and well-documented, and if you’ve paid into Social Security through your job, there’s a strong possibility you may qualify. While the application process can be complex, taking the time to understand the criteria can help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary delays.

Navigating the intricacies of Social Security Disability benefits can be made more manageable with the assistance of the expert North Carolina disability specialists, Golson, McCracken Inc. Our team specializes in advocating for the rights of the disabled and offers our clients comprehensive support throughout the application and appeals process.

Golson, McCracken Inc. provides services across North Carolina including Raleigh, Sanford, Mebane, Greensboro, and Charlotte. If you suffer from a disability in North Carolina, contact North Carolina SSDI and SSI advocate Golson, McCracken Inc. to enhance your chances of successfully securing the benefits you need.