Basic SSDI Eligibility Rules

To qualify for SSDI in New York, you must meet both work requirements and medical requirements set by the SSA:

1. Work Requirements

• You must have earned enough work credits by paying Social Security taxes.
• Generally, you need at least 20 credits in the last 10 years before your disability began (fewer credits are required if you are younger).
• Work credits are based on your annual earnings; in 2024, you earn 1 credit for every $1,730 in wages, up to 4 per year.

2. Medical Requirements

• You must have a severe medical condition that prevents you from working.
• The condition must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• The SSA reviews your medical records and compares them against its Blue Book list of qualifying impairments.

3. Disability Definition by SSA

The SSA does not provide benefits for partial or short-term disabilities. Instead, you must prove you cannot perform:

• Your past work (the type of job you previously held), and
• Any other substantial work available in the U.S. economy based on your age, education, and skills.

Additional Factors in New York

While the eligibility rules are federal, applicants in New York should be aware of state-specific considerations:

• New York State Disability Benefits (DBL): This is a separate short-term program that provides up to 26 weeks of partial wage replacement but is different from SSDI. Many workers apply for SSDI after DBL runs out.
• Medical Evidence Requirements: Local doctors and clinics play a critical role in providing complete and timely medical records to support your claim.
• Appeals Process: If denied, applicants in New York may need to go through reconsideration, a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), and possibly federal court.