1. You Must Have a Qualifying Work History

SSDI is an insurance-based program, meaning you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes (FICA) to qualify. The SSA measures this through work credits, which are earned based on your yearly income.

• In 2025, you earn one work credit for every $1,730 in wages or self-employment income.
• You can earn up to four credits per year.

General Rule:

Most applicants need at least 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits depending on their age and work history.

2. You Must Have a Severe Disability

To qualify for SSDI in New York, your condition must be considered severe under SSA standards. That means it:

• Prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) — essentially, you cannot earn more than the monthly income limit set by the SSA ($1,550 per month in 2025, or $2,590 if you’re blind).
• Interferes with your ability to perform basic work tasks, such as lifting, sitting, standing, or remembering instructions.
• Is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Short-term or partial disabilities do not qualify for SSDI.

3. Your Condition Must Meet the SSA’s Listing of Impairments

The SSA keeps a medical guide called the Listing of Impairments (Blue Book), which details conditions that may automatically qualify for benefits if they meet certain medical criteria.

Common qualifying conditions include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (like back injuries or arthritis)
• Cardiovascular diseases (such as chronic heart failure)
• Neurological disorders (like multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, or Parkinson’s)
• Mental health conditions (such as depression, PTSD, or bipolar disorder)
• Immune system disorders (including lupus or HIV)

Even if your condition isn’t listed, you can still qualify if you prove it severely limits your ability to work.

4. You Must Be Unable to Perform Any Substantial Work

The SSA uses a five-step evaluation process to determine disability:

1. Are you working?
   If you’re earning above the monthly SGA limit, you won’t qualify.
2. Is your condition severe?
   Your impairment must significantly limit your ability to work basic jobs.
3. Does your condition meet or equal a listed impairment?
   Meeting a listed condition can result in automatic approval.
4. Can you do your past work?
   If you can still perform your previous job, your claim will be denied.
5. Can you do any other work?
   If you cannot adjust to other available jobs due to your condition, age, or education, you may be approved for SSDI.

5. You Must Provide Strong Medical Evidence

Medical documentation is the foundation of your SSDI claim. To prove your disability, submit:

• Doctor’s records and progress notes
• Hospital and clinic reports
• Lab and imaging results
• Statements from specialists describing your limitations
• Treatment history and medication lists

Consistent and detailed medical evidence greatly increases your chances of approval.

6. You Must Not Be Receiving Substantial Work Income

The SSA reviews your income to confirm that you are not engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).

In 2025:

• The SGA limit is $1,550/month for most applicants
• For blind individuals, the limit is $2,590/month

If your income exceeds these thresholds, your application will likely be denied, regardless of medical condition.

7. You Must Be a U.S. Citizen or Eligible Legal Resident

You must be a U.S. citizen or have a qualifying noncitizen status (such as a permanent resident or refugee) to receive SSDI benefits. Additionally, you must reside in the United States or its territories when applying.