Do I Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Disability benefits under Social Security can be very complicated to understand. There are numerous stringent requirements that must be satisfied before Social Security will even formally review an applicant’s disability. This flowchart addresses some of the most common issues that arise for an individual wondering if they may qualify for Social Security disability benefits such as:

• Impact if you are legally blind

• The number of Social Security work credits needed to be eligible for benefits

• When the “Recent Work Test” and “Duration of Work Test” must be satisfied

• Earned income limitations

• Impact of being a widow or a surviving divorced spouse

• Impact if an individual is able to perform any kind of work

Updated for 2019