SSDI Eligibility Criteria in New Jersey

Work History Requirements

To be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes through your employment. Here’s how the work history requirement works:

• You generally need to have worked at least 5 out of the last 10 years before becoming disabled.
• The amount of work credits you need depends on your age at the time of disability. You can earn up to 4 credits per year.

Disability Definition

Your disability must meet the SSA’s definition of “disability.” This means your condition must:

• Be severe enough to prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death.
• The SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments, which includes various medical conditions that are considered severe enough to qualify for SSDI benefits. If your condition matches one of these, you may be automatically approved.

Income and Work Limits

If you are working, the SSA will evaluate your substantial gainful activity (SGA). To qualify for SSDI:

• Your monthly earnings must be below a certain threshold, which is updated annually.
• If you are earning more than this threshold, you may not qualify for SSDI benefits.

Medical Evidence

It is essential to provide medical evidence that supports the severity of your disability. The SSA requires:

• Detailed records from healthcare providers to demonstrate that your condition limits your ability to work.
• A statement from your doctor explaining how your disability impacts your daily functioning and work.

Non-Eligibility for SSI

While SSDI is based on your work history, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is based on financial need. You must ensure you are not applying for the wrong program based on your situation.