What are the Non-Medical Requirements for SSDI?

Are you prevented from working on a full-time basis because of an injury, chronic illness, or other significant medical impairment? If so, you may be entitled to receive financial support through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program). The Social Security Administration (SSA) explains that an applicant can qualify for SSDI benefits if:

They have a condition that meets the definition of disability (medical requirement); and
They have worked a sufficient amount in a qualifying job (non-medical requirement).

In other words, you must satisfy both medical and non-medical requirements as part of your application. The primary non-medical requirement is your work history based on your age at the time of application. In this article, you will find a more comprehensive overview of the non-medical requirements for SSDI.

Your Guide to the Non-Medical Requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance

Not everyone in the United States is considered to be “insured” through the SSDI program. Indeed, you only get coverage through SSDI if you have contributed enough into the system through your FICA tax contributions. In effect, this means that you need to have a long enough work record. How long of a work record you need to meet the non-medical SSDI requirements depends largely on your age at the time of your Social Security disability application. Here is a basic overview of the number of years that you need to have worked at different ages:

Under 28: 5 years of work.
30 Years Old: 2 years of work.
38 Years Old: 4 years of work.
46 Years Old: 6 years of work.
50 Years Old: 7 years of work.
56 Years Old: 5 years of work.
60 Years Old: 5 years of work.

It is important to emphasize that your work must be covered by Social Security. Work is only “qualifying” work for the purposes of SSDI if you are paying taxes into the Social Security system.

SSD Benefits Through SSI (Different Non-Medical Standard)

If you fail to meet the work history requirement for SSDI, you may still have an option to get Social Security disability benefits in the form of a Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claim. An alternative federal disability program, SSI has different non-medical requirements. Instead of your work record, SSI reviewers will consider your income and assets. You could qualify based on disability status and financial need.

Getting Approved for SSDI Benefits in Kansas Can Be Complicated

The Social Security disability claims process is complex. It is not uncommon for people to run into challenges with either the non-medical or the medical requirements. As many as two-thirds of initial SSDI claims are denied by the agency. Though, a substantial share of initial denials are overturned on appeal. If you run into any problems in the SSDI claims process in Kansas—whether you are filing for benefits for the first time or you have already been denied—professional guidance and support can make a tremendous difference. Contact an experienced SSDI lawyer such as those at the Social Security Law Group in Wichita, Kansas.