Social Security Disability Eligibility: Isn’t It Supposed to be Simple? Find Out about the Top 2 Requirements to Get Social Security Disability in 2025 and How You Can Increase Your Chances of Getting Your Benefits Granted
You are either disabled or not, right? It should be that simple. This is what many disabled individuals likely think when they are going through the often-challenging and sometimes-confusing Social Security Disability benefits application process. Indeed, while countless Americans apply for Social Security Disability benefits every year, many will be denied outright on their initial application, and many may be denied again even after they attend a hearing with a Social Security Administration administrative law judge. But what exactly are the basic requirements for obtaining important Social Security Disability benefits if you are a disabled individual in America? And how can disabled individuals increase their chances of being granted these important benefits if they have been initially denied? We answer those questions here.
Requirement #1: A Disability or Blindness
The first requirement that a person must meet in order to be granted important Social Security Disability benefits is that they must be disabled or blind. The Social Security Administration states that you may be eligible for Social Security Disability if you have a disability or blindness and you have enough work history. In terms of a disability or blindness, the Social Security Administration establishes that “You must have a disability that affects your ability to work for a year or more, or will result in death.” In addition, “If you continue to work, your condition must also limit you from earning income above an amount we call ‘substantial gainful activity’ (SGA). In 2025, SGA is $1,620 per month, or $2,700 if you’re considered blind under our rules. We use different rules to determine SGA if you’re self-employed.”
Requirement #2: Enough Work History
In addition to the requirement that a person who is applying for Social Security Disability benefits be disabled or blind to get them, an individual must also have enough work history, as defined by the Social Security Administration, in order to be granted Social Security Disability Benefits. The Social Security Administration notes that “Generally, you must have worked for at least 5 of the last 10 years to qualify for Disability. People under the age of 24 may not need to have worked as long.”
Get Legal Help with Your Social Security Disability Case – Get Benefits Due to You
No person should have to navigate the challenging and complex Social Security Disability benefits application process alone. If you are seeking to get Social Security Disability benefits and you need legal help, contact the experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law. The experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law are here to help disabled individuals get important Social Security Disability benefits due to them. Do not hesitate to speak to a lawyer about your case today. Contact Nationwide Disability Law and chat with a lawyer about your case now.
Source:
ssa.gov/disability/eligibility
