SSD Qualification Requirements

The SSA maintains certain criteria to determine if an individual qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits. An inability to work is the primary factor when declaring disability in an individual.

However, all of the following disability qualifications must be true when proving you are disabled. According to the SSA:

• You cannot continue the work you did prior to the disability. The disability must interfere with work activities, and inhibit your ability to perform your work
• Your disability prevents you from adjusting to other work. Taking into account factors such as your skills, age, medical conditions, education, and experience, the SSA determines if you can successfully work in another type of position. If your disability prevents you from performing in another suitable type of work, then the SSA may consider you disabled.
• This severe injury, disability or illness will likely persist for at least one year or more or may result in death. If this severe condition continues to persist for a long period, then the SSA may consider you to be living with a disability.
• The Social Security Disability application verifies your identity, medical condition, treatment and your employment records. Filing a claim can be complex, and any missteps may lead to a denial of benefits.