How to Qualify for Disability Programs

There are two federal programs that provide assistance to those who qualify for disability insurance, one is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the other is Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For those who do qualify for disability benefits are paid in monthly increments for the long-term amount of time that they are on disability.

• Have enough credits by working at a job under Social Security for a long amount of time. You get up to four credits per working year. The number of work credits you need depends on your age. There is no minimuam age requirement to qualify. Those who are younger are more likely to be admitted to disability on fewer amounts of credits. However, if you are over the age of 31 you must have earned at least 20 credits in the 10 years before you qualify for disability.


• Have your condition declared as severe. You will not meet disability requirements if you qualify for short-term disability. Your condition must interfere with basic work related activities for your job.


• Check to see if your condition is included in Social Security’s list of medical conditions. This list has been drafted for each major body system and includes a variety of ailments.


• Keep your medical records up to date. You must be able to prove that your condition has been persistent for a few months or will last longer then a calendar year. 


• Make yourself familiar with the Social Security process and the appeals process. If you need to, consult a Social Security attorney.