Direct answer
Am I disabled enough for SSDI?
You are disabled enough for SSDI when a medically determinable impairment prevents Substantial Gainful Activity (earning above $1,690/month in 2025 for non-blind workers) and has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
"Disabled enough" is a legal definition, not a feeling. The SSA follows a five-step sequential evaluation to decide.
Sourced from ssa.gov — see citations below.
What SSA actually measures
The SSA runs a five-step sequential evaluation: current work, severity, Blue Book listing match, ability to do past work, and ability to do any other work given age, education, and RFC.
The duration rule
Short-term or temporary conditions do not qualify no matter how severe — the 12-month duration or terminal expectation is a statutory bar.
Why "how you feel" is not the test
The decision is made on medical evidence in the file, not on subjective severity. A well-documented moderate condition often wins where a poorly documented severe one loses.
Topics
Sources
Every figure and rule on this page is drawn from official SSA publications. Verify at the links below.
- SSA — How You Qualify for Disability (ssa.gov)
- SSA — Substantial Gainful Activity (ssa.gov)
- SSA — Blue Book (Listing of Impairments) (ssa.gov)