The SSA’s Non-Medical Requirements for SSDI

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can feel overwhelming. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at far more than just your medical condition when deciding whether you qualify for benefits. In addition to medical evidence, your application must meet several non-medical requirements before benefits can be approved.

Your doctor can be a valuable resource for documenting your disability. But many applicants are left with questions about the other parts of the process, especially work history, income limits, and required documentation.

That’s where an experienced Social Security Disability attorney can help. At Daggett Shuler, we guide clients through both the medical and non-medical requirements of SSDI, helping them avoid costly mistakes that can delay or derail their claim.

Non-Medical Requirements for SSDI

1. Work History and Work Credits

To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and earned enough work credits by paying Social Security taxes.

In most cases, the SSA requires:

• 40 total work credits, and
• 20 credits earned within the last 10 years before your disability began
  
  

However, these requirements can vary depending on your age. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits. Reviewing your work history carefully is essential, as missing or incorrect information can lead to a denial, even if you are medically disabled.

2. Personal Information and Identity Verification

When applying for SSDI, you must provide detailed personal information, including:

• Your full name
• Date of birth
• Social Security number
• Marital status
• Information about your children
  
  

You’ll also need documents to verify your identity, such as:

• A government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport)
• An original or certified copy of your birth certificate

Missing documentation can slow down the process, so it’s important to submit everything accurately and completely.

3. Legal Involvement

Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from receiving SSDI benefits. In most situations, current or past criminal activity, including felony convictions, does not affect eligibility.

That said, outstanding felony warrants for escape or fleeing to avoid prosecution can prevent approval until the issue is resolved. The SSA does not deny or suspend benefits solely because of a probation or parole violation, but certain legal matters must be addressed to meet non-medical eligibility requirements.

Income Limits for SSDI

SSDI is intended for individuals who are unable to work at a substantial level due to disability. This is known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). The SSA distinguishes between:

• Earned income, such as wages, self-employment earnings, and payments for services (including sheltered workshops)
• Unearned income, such as state assistance, alimony, or child support

Only earned income is counted when determining SSDI eligibility. For 2026, the SSA generally considers you ineligible if you earn more than:

• $1,690 per month in earned income, or
• $2,830 per month if you are blind.

When applying, you may be required to submit:

• Pay stubs
• Employer letters
• Statements from friends or family providing income
• Self-employment tax returns
• Documentation of Workers’ Compensation or State Disability benefits, such as benefit letters or check stubs

Get Help from Our Experienced Social Security Disability Lawyers

At Daggett Shuler, we are committed to helping injured and disabled individuals understand their rights and secure the benefits they deserve. We know how frustrating the SSDI process can be, and we’re here to take that burden off your shoulders.

Our team understands the SSA’s rules, deadlines, and documentation requirements, and we know how to build strong disability claims from start to finish. Best of all, you don’t pay us unless we win benefits for you.

If you are unable to work due to a disability and need help with your SSDI claim, speak with a Social Security Disability lawyer at Daggett Shuler for free today.

Contact us today by submitting an online form or calling our office at 336-724-1234 for a free case evaluation.