Navigating the process of applying for Social Security Disability benefits can feel overwhelming. While your medical condition is the primary focus, the Social Security Administration (SSA) also has specific non-medical requirements you must meet to be eligible for either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Understanding these non-medical criteria is crucial for a successful application. Don’t let a lack of information delay or jeopardize the support you need.
What are Non-Medical Requirements for Disability Benefits?
Non-medical requirements are the criteria, unrelated to your physical or mental health condition, that the SSA considers when evaluating your eligibility for disability benefits. These requirements primarily focus on your work history (for SSDI), financial resources (for SSI), and other factors like citizenship and residency.
It’s essential to understand that meeting the medical criteria for disability is only one part of the equation. You must also satisfy all the relevant non-medical requirements to receive benefits.
Non-Medical Requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
SSDI is a federal insurance program funded through payroll taxes. Eligibility for SSDI is primarily based on your work history and contributions to the Social Security system.
Here are the key non-medical requirements for SSDI in 2025:
- Sufficient Work Credits:
You must have earned a certain number of work credits throughout your working life. These credits are based on your total yearly earnings.
- In 2025, you earn one work credit for every $1,810 in wages or self-employment income.
- You can earn a maximum of four work credits per year.
The number of work credits you need depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally:
- Under age 24: You generally need 6 work credits earned in the 3-year period ending when your disability began.
- Ages 24 to 30: You generally need credit for 1/2 the time between age 21 and the time your disability began (but no fewer than 6 credits).
- Age 31 or older: The number of credits needed increases with age, up to a maximum of 40 credits (equivalent to 10 years of work).
- Example: If you become disabled at age 50, you generally need 28 work credits.
You can check your work history and estimated credits by creating an account on the official Social Security Administration website.
- Recent Work Requirement:
In addition to the total number of work credits, you generally need to have earned some credits recently. The specific requirement depends on your age.
Age 31 or older: You generally must have earned at least 20 work credits in the last 10 years ending when your disability began.
- Not Currently Engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA):
The SSA considers whether you are currently working and earning above a certain threshold known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
- In 2025, the SGA amount is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 per month for blind individuals.
- If your average monthly earnings exceed these amounts, the SSA generally will not consider you disabled, regardless of your medical condition.
- Certain work incentives may apply, allowing some individuals to work while still receiving benefits under specific circumstances.
You can learn more about SGA and its specificities in our article: What Is Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)? Rules & How It Affects SSDI/SSI.
- Inability to Perform Past Relevant Work (PRW):
The SSA will evaluate whether your medical condition prevents you from performing any of the jobs you held in the past. They will consider the physical and mental demands of your previous work.
- Inability to Perform Any Other Work in the National Economy:
If the SSA determines you cannot perform your “Past Relevant Work”, they will then assess whether your medical condition prevents you from adjusting to and performing any other type of work that exists in significant numbers in the national economy, considering your age, education, and work experience.
- U.S. Citizenship or Qualified Non-Citizen Status:
You generally must be a U.S. citizen or meet certain qualified non-citizen requirements to be eligible for SSDI. Qualified non-citizens may include lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.
- Having a Valid Social Security Number (SSN):
You will need to provide a valid Social Security number when applying for SSDI.
Non-Medical Requirements for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI is a needs-based program funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes. It provides financial assistance to aged, blind, and disabled individuals who have limited income and resources. Work history is not a primary factor for SSI eligibility.
Here are the key non-medical requirements for SSI in 2025:
- Disability or Age/Blindness:
You must meet the SSA’s definition of disability (a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death). Alternatively, you can be age 65 or older or be blind (meeting the SSA’s definition of blindness).
- Limited Income:
SSI has strict income limits. The SSA considers your countable income, which is most of your earned and unearned income. Certain types of income may be excluded. The federal benefit rate (FBR) is the maximum amount of SSI payable. In 2025, the FBR is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 per month for a couple.
- Limited Resources:
SSI also has strict resource limits. Resources include things you own, such as bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and real property (other than your primary residence).
- In 2025, the resource limit is $2,000 for an individual and $3,000 for a couple.
- Certain resources are not counted, such as your primary home, one vehicle (under certain circumstances), and household goods and personal effects of modest value.
- Not Engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA):
Similar to SSDI, SSI recipients generally cannot be engaging in SGA. The SGA amounts for 2025 are the same: $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 per month for blind individuals.
- U.S. Residency and Citizenship/Qualified Non-Citizen Status:
- You must be a resident of the United States.
- You must be a U.S. citizen or meet certain qualified non-citizen requirements. Some exceptions may apply in specific circumstances.
- Having a Valid Social Security Number (SSN) or Applying for One:
You generally need to have a valid SSN or be in the process of applying for one.
Key Differences Between SSDI and SSI Non-Medical Requirements
| Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) | Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | |
| Primary Basis | Work History and Contributions | Financial Need |
| Work Credits | Generally Required | Not a Factor |
| Income Limits | Focus on Current SGA | Strict Limits on Countable Income |
| Resource Limits | Generally Not a Factor | r Strict Limits on Countable Resources |
| Citizenship | Generally Required for Most | Generally Required for Most |
Concurrent Eligibility: Receiving Both SSDI and SSI
It’s possible for some individuals to be eligible for and receive benefits from both SSDI and SSI simultaneously. This is often the case when someone has a limited work history but also meets the low-income and resource requirements for SSI. The SSA refers to this as concurrent eligibility.
In concurrent cases, the SSA will evaluate your eligibility under both sets of rules. The amount you receive from one program may affect the amount you receive from the other.
What Happens During a Non-Medical Review?
After you submit your application for disability benefits, the SSA will conduct a non-medical review to determine if you meet the non-medical eligibility requirements for the specific program(s) you applied for. This review may involve:
- Verifying your work history and earnings records.
- Reviewing your financial information (income and resources).
- Checking your citizenship or qualified non-citizen status.
- Confirming your Social Security number.
If you do not meet the non-medical requirements, your application may be denied even if your medical condition is severe. This is known as a non-medical denial.
What Does a Non-Medical Denial Mean?
A non-medical denial means that the SSA determined you were ineligible for disability benefits based on factors unrelated to your medical condition. Common reasons for a non-medical denial include:
- Not having enough work credits for SSDI.
- Currently engaging in SGA.
- Having income or resources exceeding the SSI limits.
- Not meeting the citizenship or residency requirements.
Important: A non-medical denial can be appealed. You have the right to request a reconsideration of the SSA’s decision within a specific timeframe. Understanding the reason for the denial is crucial for a successful appeal.
How Long Does the Disability Determination Process Take?
The total time it takes to receive a decision on your disability application can vary significantly depending on several factors, including how complex your medical condition is, and the volume of applications the SSA is processing.
Understanding Your Eligibility
The non-medical requirements are a critical component of the Social Security Disability benefits application process. By understanding the rules for SSDI and SSI, and the updated figures for 2025, you can better assess your potential eligibility and navigate the application process with greater confidence.
If you are unsure about your eligibility or need assistance with the application process, Trajector Disability offers comprehensive support throughout the disability claim process. Our team of experts can help you determine your eligibility, gather all necessary evidence, prepare and submit your application, and guide you through the appeals process if your claim is denied. Start your FREE CONSULTATION today.
