Social Security Disability is a federally funded program that provides monthly payments to people who cannot work due to severe, long-term medical conditions. The program requires that those hurt contribute to Social Security for a sufficient period and have a medical condition recognized by the agency as debilitating.Â
This condition must be long-term, lasting at least a year, or it could result in death. There are numerous aspects of Social Security Disability you should understand if you plan to seek this coverage, and then speak with a Las Vegas Social Security disability lawyer about your case.
How Social Security Disability Works
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), as it is formally called, is a service provided by the Social Security Administration. It provides monthly payments to those who qualify to help meet their needs when they have a disability that limits or eliminates their ability to work and earn a gainful income. To qualify for Social Security Disability, a person must meet numerous qualifications, including:
- Have a recognized disability or be considered legally blind
- Have enough work history
In these situations, a person will receive two types of support. That includes a monthly payment amount determined by their contributions to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Medicare, a form of federally provided health insurance. The amount received depends on what you contributed prior to the disability. Talk to a Las Vegas Social Security disability insurance lawyer today.
How to Determine If You Are Eligible for Social Security Disability
As noted, you must be legally blind or have a qualified disability and have contributed enough to the administration. The first component is having a qualifying disability. You will need to have one of the conditions recognized by the agency, as documented by your doctor, lab reports, and other medical evidence.
Alternatively, you will need to be considered legally blind, which has specific qualifications under SSA rules. Specifically, you must have central visual acuity for distances of 20/200 or less in your better eye with the use of optimized corrective lenses or have a visual field limitation in your better eye with the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle that is no more than 20 degrees.
In addition, you must have earned enough work credits, which means you have worked for at least five of the last 10 years to qualify. If you are under 24 years old, you may not need as long a work history. We will explore those details further later. Talk to a Las Vegas long-term disability lawyer or a Las Vegas permanent disability lawyer today.
Wondering if you meet the SSDI requirements?
Conditions That Qualify You for Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability has many qualifying conditions. In general, the condition must be severe and medically determinable through physical or mental impairment that prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA) and will continue for at least 12 months or result in your death.Â
To determine if you have one of the many qualifying conditions, you can use Social Security’s Blue Book, a listing of the qualifying Disability Evaluation Under Social Security Listing of Impairments. Some examples of qualifying conditions include:
- Cardiovascular system disorders: Coronary artery disease or chronic heart failure
- Neurological disorders: Multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or Parkinson’s disease
- Musculoskeletal disorders: Arthritis, joint dysfunction, back disorders, or others causing severe impairment of mobility
- Mental health disorders: Severe depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or debilitating anxiety
- Immune system disorders: Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or HIV/AIDs
- Cancer: Malignant neoplastic diseases based on severity and treatment needs
- Respiratory conditions: Cystic fibrosis, debilitating asthma, and COPD
- Sensory and speech disabilities: Loss of hearing, speech, or vision
These are only a few of the many conditions that may qualify you for SSDI. Remember that having a diagnosis alone does not mean you meet the government’s requirements; it is only the starting point for proving eligibility. Your condition must be severe enough that you cannot work and earn, and you must meet SGA criteria.
What Work Requirements You Must Meet to Receive Social Security Disability
If you have a qualifying condition that you believe meets the SSA’s requirements, you must then demonstrate that you have paid into SSA for a long enough period to earn the necessary work credits. To meet this qualification, you must have at least 40 work credits. At least 20 of those work credits must be earned in the 10 years preceding the year the disability began.
You earn work credits by working and contributing to SSA through your paycheck or contributions as a self-employed individual. The amount you need to earn to obtain one work credit changes each year. In 2026, for example, you get one credit for every $1,890 in wages you earn in each quarter of the year. You can earn up to four work credits in a single year.
If you are under 24, you do not need 10 years of contributions. Rather, you are eligible if you have earned 6 credits in the three-year period ending in the year the disability begins. If you are between the ages of 24 and 31, you are eligible if you have credit for working half the time between the age of 21 and the time your disability began. You can learn more in our FAQs.
How Social Security Determines if Your Condition Is a Qualifying Disability
The complexities of SSDI do not stop there. There are numerous steps a person may take to prove they are eligible for SSDI. Working with a Social Security Disability attorney can be beneficial in proving each aspect the agency requires. One of those components involves meeting the specific requirements the SSA sets to determine whether your condition is “bad enough” to meet the qualifications.
It is not enough to have a diagnosis of the condition, even if your doctor says you cannot work. You must demonstrate, through the numerous requirements set by the agency, that you cannot meet their standards. This can become complex, and because SSDI has such a high rate of denials, it is often best to let your attorney help you navigate the process.
If you believe you have such a condition and you have the work credits necessary, the SSA will use a five-step process to determine if you should be receiving benefits. The following are the five questions the SSA asks, which you must answer to qualify for disability. A Las Vegas Social Security disability denials lawyer can assist with your case.
Are You Working?
You cannot receive SSDI if you are able to engage in substantial gainful activity, which is based on how much you can earn each year. This figure changes annually, but for 2026, it is $1,690 for most people and $2,830 for those who are blind. If you are not working, or not working at an SGA level, you meet the initial qualification to file a claim.
Is Your Condition “Severe”?
The SSA wants to ensure that your condition is severe, meaning it significantly limits your ability to perform work-related activities. That may include tasks like standing, lifting, remembering, sitting, or walking. That must be the case for at least the next 12 months. If your condition interferes with your ability to do your job, you meet this qualification and can move on to the next requirement.
Is Your Condition Found in the List of Disabling Conditions?
As previously noted, the SSA’s Blue Book defines each of the conditions that qualify for SSDI, including what specific tests and limitations you must have to meet those conditions. For example, you must show that you have end-stage conditions rather than just an initial diagnosis unless your symptoms are severe.
Note that some situations qualify for compassionate allowances or a faster approval, because the diagnosis is likely fatal, such as Lou Gehrig’s disease, pancreatic cancer, or acute leukemia.
Can You Do the Work You Did Previously?
The SSA next wants to determine if your medical impairment prevents you from doing any of the work you have done in the past. In situations where it does not prevent you from doing so, the SSA will not approve your disability. If it does, then the final step is considered.
Can You Do Any Other Form of Work?
In some situations, you may be unable to do your current job but may have skills to use for other SGAs, even if it means additional training. Factors such as a person’s age, education, transferable skills from previous work to new tasks, and their past work experience itself can be used to determine this. If you can do other work, you will not be considered for SSDI. Browse our case results today.
How Social Security Disability Pays You
SSDI pays you in several ways if you are eligible for coverage. In each situation, the SSA will look at factors such as your previous earnings and contributions. Every person’s situation is a bit different. Here are some factors that contribute to the benefits you will receive from disability:
- Your monthly payment: The easiest way to see your monthly payment is to log in to your Social Security Administration account and check your work credits and eligibility for payments. SSA will list your estimated monthly payment if you are found fully disabled (this is present for everyone, even if you are not disabled).
- Medicare coverage: Those who are eligible for SSDI will automatically enroll in Medicare 2 years after the date they became entitled to Disability benefits. Typically, you will receive a mail package three months before your coverage starts. This provides you with access to hospital support and wellness care under Parts A and B. Selecting Medicare can be complex, and it is best to speak with a professional.
- Special rules: Some people with end-stage renal disease or ALS can get Medicare sooner, such as when they begin at-home dialysis treatments, the month they get a kidney transplant, or three months after outpatient dialysis treatment. ALS patients can receive Medicare immediately.
- Social Security Income: Some people may be eligible for SSI, a monthly benefit for those with limited income and resources. In this situation, you can get SSDI and SSI if your household income meets the established financial limits.
Because each of these factors is so significant, it is best to work closely with an SSDI attorney who can help you meet the requirements and minimize delays in the process. Many people with SSDI-qualifying conditions may face a long waiting period to qualify. Your Las Vegas Social Security disability hearings lawyer can help minimize delays to protect your rights.
How to Apply for Social Security Disability
If you believe you meet the requirements of SSDI, you can file a request with the SSA for benefits. The SSA denies most initial applications due to errors, insufficient evidence, or other factors. To minimize those risks and ensure you get a fair shot during your application, work with a Social Security Disability attorney throughout this process:
- You can apply online. This is the fastest method for submitting an application. You will need to provide proof of your disability through medical records, work history, and extensive personal documentation.
- Call. You can also call the SSA and work through the process with an agent. This process can work, but you need to answer all their questions accurately to avoid concerns.
- In person. You can apply in person at a local SSA office. You likely need to file an appointment first. This process also requires having all necessary information and avoiding mistakes.
The application process requires extensive medical documentation, including the names, addresses, and contact information for all of your medical providers, hospitals, and clinics, as well as an outline of all treatments, medications, and diagnoses. You will also need to submit your work history and birth certificate.Â
Set Up a Free Consultation to Work with an SSDI Attorney
There is a great deal on the line when filing a claim. Minimize your risk of suffering costly oversights by contacting our Las Vegas Social Security Disability lawyer. At Shook & Stone Injury Lawyers, we provide you with the legal support you need in critical conditions.
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