Determining eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a complex process, and there are several aspects to your application for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to consider, including medical and non-medical requirements.
If you have questions regarding the medical side of applying for benefits, you can receive some helpful insight from your doctor, who has worked closely with you and understands your medical conditions. However, you may still find yourself wondering what the other side of the SSDI application process entails and not know where to turn.
Fortunately, that’s where a skilled Social Security Disability attorney comes in. At Kerr Robichaux & Carroll, we’re here to answer your questions about the SSA’s medical and non-medical requirements for disability benefits.
Non-medical requirements for SSDI:
- Work history
The SSA requires a minimum amount of work credits to qualify for SSDI. Work credits are earned based on how long you’ve worked and paid Social Security taxes. Generally, you would need 40 work credits to qualify for SSDI, having earned 20 in the last ten years ending with your disability. However, this could vary based on age; you may need fewer work credits if you’re younger.
- Personal information
You will be required to provide personal information to apply for benefits, including your:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Marital status
- Children
In addition, you will be asked to provide documentation to verify your identity. This includes:
- Photo ID (ex: driver’s license or passport)
- An original birth certificate
- Legal involvement
Current or past criminal activity, including felonies, does not necessarily affect an applicant’s eligibility for SSDI. The SSA also does not deny or suspend payments based solely on a report of a parole or probation violation warrant. However, outstanding felony warrants for escape and flight to avoid persecution affect an applicant’s eligibility and must be resolved to meet non-medical requirements.
- Income
In 2023, if you make more than $1,470 per month ($2,460 if you’re blind) in earned income, you will not be considered to have a qualifying disability, according to the SSA. The SSA does not count unearned income when determining an applicant’s non-medical eligibility.
Earned income: wages, self-employment earnings, and payment for services in a sheltered workshop.
Unearned income: state assistance, alimony, and child support.
You must provide income documentation when applying for SSDI, which could be through pay stubs, letters from employers, friends, or family providing income, and self-employment income tax returns. You must also provide proof of Workers’ Compensation or State Disability Insurance Benefits in the form of a benefits letter or check stubs, if applicable.
Your Social Security Disability Attorneys and Advocates
At Kerr Robichaux & Carroll, we’re dedicated to educating and empowering the disabled community and helping them secure the life-changing benefits they need and deserve. We know the ins and outs of Social Security, and with our combined experience and expertise, no case is too tough for us. If you are disabled in the Pacific Northwest and need help, speak with us for free today. We won’t get paid until you do.
Contact us today by submitting the form below or calling our office at 503-255-9092 for a free case evaluation.