SSDI Qualifications

If a physical or mental condition has left you unable to work, you may be wondering how to apply for SSDI and whether you meet the qualifications. At Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, Ltd., we know how overwhelming the Social Security Disability (SSD) system can feel. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process and help you file for Social Security Disability benefits the right way.

Applying for SSDI benefits involves more than filling out paperwork. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has strict rules about who qualifies. This page will walk you through those SSD qualifications, the importance of timing, why so many claims are initially denied, and how our experienced team can help you at every stage of the process.

What Are the SSDI Qualifications?

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must meet both medical and non-medical requirements. These include:

1. Work History and Earnings

SSDI is an insurance program based on your work history. You must have paid into Social Security through payroll taxes (FICA) for a certain number of years—usually at least 5 of the last 10. The amount of work credits needed depends on your age when you became disabled.

2. Severe Medical Condition

Your disability must prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). In other words, you must be unable to work full time or earn more than a certain amount each month due to your condition.

The SSA keeps a list of qualifying medical impairments, ranging from chronic illnesses and neurological disorders to mental health conditions. If your diagnosis is listed—or is equal in severity—you may meet the medical criteria. Visit our Impairments page for more information about conditions that may meet SSDI eligibility.

3. Duration of Disability

Your disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Temporary injuries or short-term medical conditions typically do not qualify.

Why Timing Is Critical When You File for Social Security Disability

When you lose the ability to work, time is not on your side. The SSA’s review process can take several months or longer. Delaying your application can affect your eligibility and the amount of back pay you may receive.

Filing early gives you the best chance to collect benefits as soon as possible and protects your legal rights. Many applicants who wait too long to apply for SSDI miss out on crucial benefits they rightfully deserve.

Let us help you file your disability benefits claim right the first time. Contact our team at Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates today for a free case evaluation.

Why So Many SSDI Claims Are Denied

It’s a harsh reality: over 65% of initial SSDI applications are denied by the Social Security Administration. This happens for a number of reasons, including:

Incomplete medical records
Missing documentation
Errors on application forms
Failure to prove your disability meets SSA criteria

Even applicants who clearly qualify for benefits can face rejection simply because the paperwork was filled out incorrectly. That’s why it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable legal team by your side.

At Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates, we’ve helped thousands of clients successfully file Social Security Disability applications. We understand how the SSA reviews claims, and we know how to present your case in a way that meets their standards.

How to Apply for SSDI With Our Help

Filing for Social Security Disability doesn’t have to be stressful. When you work with our firm, we help with every step of the process:

Collecting medical records and evidence
Completing your SSDI application accurately
Communicating with your doctors and the SSA
Representing you in hearings if your claim is denied

We offer no-cost consultations, and you pay nothing unless we secure benefits for you. Our goal is to make the process as smooth as possible so you can focus on your health, not legal paperwork.

Ready to apply for SSDI? Call us today or contact us online to get started.

What If You’ve Already Been Denied?

Don’t give up. If your SSDI claim has already been denied, you still have the right to appeal—but you must act quickly. There are strict deadlines, and missing them could mean starting over entirely.

Our firm handles appeals at every level, including:

Request for Reconsideration
ALJ Hearings
Appeals Council Review
Federal Court Appeals (if necessary)

Don’t face the system alone—let our experienced disability attorneys fight for the benefits you need.

Contact Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates Today

Whether you’re just starting the process or already facing a denial, the key to a successful SSDI claim is having the right legal support. Our compassionate, experienced attorneys are here to guide you through every stage of your case—from your initial application to your final award.

We’ve dedicated our careers to helping clients across the U.S. navigate the Social Security Disability system. You don’t have to go through it alone—we’re here to help you get your life back on track.

Call Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associates today to request your free consultation. Let’s get you the disability benefits you deserve.

Don't fight alone! Ease the Stress and avoid mistakes.

Why Our Clients Trust Us

I want to thank the Rabin legal team for their outstanding support since 2022 in helping Lindsay successfully getting through the SSI application, appeal(s), and finally approval process.

Everyone on your team has been extremely helpful, patient, professional, and diligent in working through this long and arduos process. The fact that Lindsay's file had approximately 3000 pages clearly shows the amount of time, work, and thoroughness the Rabin team has done for Lindsay. My wife, Lindsay and I cannot thank each of you enough for the support you have provided through this process. The SSI decision is a key step in Lindsay's continued progress in working through her disability. The positive outcome of yesterday's hearing clearly shows how your team's collective efforts over several years provided the information needed to have SSI approve the appeal. Thanks again to each and every one of you for your support.

Bill and Karen C

Chicago, IL

My experience with Jeffrey A Rabin has been very good.

My approval of Social Security disability benefits came much quicker than I had expected. I first met with an associate on April 16, 2020 and we filed my application on May 21, 2020. My application was approved on August 3, 2020, only around a four month process. Even though we were at the beginning of this coronavirus outbreak when we started, it was easy to contact them and complete this process.

David Janis

Thank you so much for all you and the staff have done for me.

It meant a lot to me every time I called and whoever I talked to knew all about my case. It was wonderful that I didn’t get pushed from one person to another. Your staff was always happy; they acted like they personally know me. But most of all I CAN’T BELIEVE HOW FAST YOU HAD MY CASE DONE. You and your staff really put a smile on my face. Thank you for doing what I couldn’t get done. Everyone will know Jeffrey A. Rabin & Associate

Eric Morris

This was an outstanding experience for me from my first appointment to the last.

This Law Firm was very professional kind and considerate of me and my disability. They knew exactly what it was like for me in the real world and absolutely essential to help me explain that and my disability to the Social Security Administration. I definitely could not have done this without them and they have changed my life for the better forever. In my eyes they are the best social security disability law firm in Chicago and the suburbs.

Steven Sidbeck

I filed for my disability and got denied twice. So I decided that I needed help of a lawyer.

I began to search and in the process of me searching I always look @ the reviews if I see more bad than good reviews I move on to the next, but not with these guys I didn’t they helped me thru the whole process and assured me if there was a problem or concern I had to reach out and they would help me anyway they could, I dealt with with a few ppl there in the office I must say from the receptionist down to the paralegals they are awesome...

Danielle Sanders

I wanted to say thank you for everything that you did for me, I greatly appreciate it.

You believed in me when a lot and social security did not. I was a risk for you to pay for my medical records, not knowing if you would win, if I had not won you would have been out of a lot of money and time. I have known other attorney’s, and have worked with them in the past, but they are nothing like you! You are a very kind generous human being with compassion. I pray that God will bless you practice and make you very successful ...

Patricia M.

Understanding SSD Qualifications and Eligibility