Am I Eligible For Disability Benefits? Key Things To Know.

Last updated on May 19, 2025

Disability benefits such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be a lifeline for those who cannot work due to a disabling condition. However, you must meet strict eligibility criteria to qualify for these benefits. These requirements can be confusing and complicated. It’s wise to check with a lawyer for guidance on your situation.

You can turn to me, Robert D. Paulbeck. I’m a disability attorney in Michigan with over 30 years of experience. My commitment is to assist you in obtaining the benefits you need to live a comfortable and financially secure life. You can count on me for personal attention and honest advice. From my law office in Trenton, I serve clients throughout the Downriver Area and across Southeast Michigan.

SSDI Eligibility Criteria

There are two major federal benefits programs for people with disabilities: SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each program has specific eligibility criteria. Here is what you need to know about the requirements for SSDI.

Work History Requirements

To qualify for SSDI benefits, you generally need to have earned 40 work credits, with 20 of those credits acquired in the last 10 years. This requirement ensures that applicants have a sufficient work history, reflecting their contributions to Social Security through taxes. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits, as the criteria adjust based on age.

How Do I Earn Work Credits?

You earn work credits by working and paying Social Security taxes. Each year, the amount of earnings required to earn one credit may change. For example, if you worked in 2023, you earned one credit for every $1,640 in wages or self-employment income, up to a maximum of four credits per year.

How Can I Check My Work Credits?

You can check your work credits by reviewing your Social Security statement online. Start by visiting the Social Security Administration’s website, and open a My Social Security Account. You can then access a statement that provides an estimate of your benefits and shows whether you have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI.

More Information About Disability Benefits And Work Credits

For further details on SSDI eligibility, consider reading the Social Security Administration’s publication on how credits are earned. It provides a table breaking down the required work credits based on age. If you need help interpreting the chart, please reach out to me for guidance.

Understanding The Disability Aspect Of SSDI Eligibility

In addition to having earned sufficient work credits, you must show that you are unable to work due to a qualifying disability. This criteria can be challenging to meet. Your disability must be severe enough to prevent you from engaging in what is known as “substantial gainful activity.” This means you cannot earn a living wage through any form of employment. The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a living wage as a certain monthly amount that changes annually.

If you are under the age of 50, you must demonstrate that your disability prevents you from performing any work available in the national economy. This can be surprising and frustrating for many. It’s not just about being unable to perform your previous job. You must be unable to do any job that exists, even those that might pay significantly less. However, once you reach age 50, the standard is less demanding.

A qualifying disability must also be long-term, lasting or expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal. The SSA considers both medical evidence and functional limitations when evaluating claims. They assess whether your condition limits your ability to perform basic work activities, such as sitting, standing, walking, lifting and remembering instructions.

Understanding SSI Eligibility

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides financial assistance to individuals who have limited income and resources, and who are either blind, disabled or aged 65 or older. Unlike SSDI, SSI eligibility is not based on your work history. Instead, the eligibility criteria are based on your financial circumstances and disability condition.

Financial Criteria

SSI is designed for individuals with limited income and resources. To qualify, your income must fall below specific limits. This includes wages, pensions and other forms of income. Additionally, the resources you own – such as cash, bank accounts and real property – must not exceed certain limits. For children seeking SSI benefits, the financial eligibility determination is based on the family’s income and assets.

Medical Conditions And Disability Determination

To be eligible for SSI, you must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that significantly restricts your ability to perform basic work activities. Michigan’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) will evaluate your medical evidence and residual functional capacity to determine if your condition meets its criteria. As with SSDI, the impairment must be long-term, meaning it is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Disability Review Process

When you apply for SSI in Michigan, DDS will conduct a thorough disability review process to assess your eligibility. This involves examining your medical records, treatment history and the onset date of your impairment. The SSA uses impairment listings to determine if your condition automatically qualifies for benefits. If it does not, they will assess whether and how your condition limits your capacity to work.

More Of Your Disability Questions, Answered

If you are in Michigan and wondering, “Am I eligible for disability benefits?” you can turn to me for answers. I am here to guide you through the qualifications and requirements. I help clients untangle the confusing SSDI eligibility criteria, including work history requirements, as well as SSI criteria for those who qualify. If you qualify, I can help you take the next steps. My goal is to provide clear, understandable advice and support throughout the disability application process in Michigan. I also handle appeals of denied disability claims and other challenges that may arise on the path to getting benefits. My commitment is to stand by you through thick and thin.

Start today by contacting my office, Robert D. Paulbeck, Attorney at Law, at 734-800-2699.