# How do I know if my condition qualifies for SSDI?

Meeting a listing is one path to approval; the other is a medical-vocational finding that the impairment prevents any work when combined with age, education, and past work.

**Direct answer:** You know your condition qualifies for SSDI when the findings in your medical record meet the SSA Blue Book listing for the impairment, or when your residual functional capacity plus age, education, and past work would leave no jobs you can perform.

## Path 1: Meet a Blue Book listing

Open the [Blue Book](/blue-book) chapter for the body system, find the listing, and compare each required finding to what is documented in your records.

## Path 2: Medical-vocational allowance

If the condition does not exactly meet a listing but limits function enough that no past or other work is possible given age, education, and skills, SSA can approve under the [Grid Rules](/answers/what-is-the-ssa-grid-rules).

## What to do next

Request full records from every treating source, get a treating-source function statement, and file — protective filing dates protect benefits from the day the intent to file is recorded.

## Sources
- SSA — How You Qualify for Disability — https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html
- SSA — Blue Book (Listing of Impairments) — https://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/
- SSA — Medical-Vocational Guidelines (Grid Rules) — https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-app-p02.htm

## Related questions
- [What are the signs your condition qualifies for SSDI?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/signs-your-condition-qualifies-for-ssdi)
- [Am I disabled enough for SSDI?](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/answers/am-i-disabled-enough-for-ssdi)
## Topics
- SSA Blue Book — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/blue-book
- SSDI Application Process — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/application-process
- SSDI — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/ssdi

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Disclaimer: SSDI Direct Answers is a private informational website. It is not affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any government agency. Informational only — not legal, medical, or financial advice. For official information visit ssa.gov.