SSDI Eligibility Requirements in Mississippi

1. Work Credits Requirement

To qualify for SSDI, you need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to earn sufficient work credits. Here’s what this means:

• What Are Work Credits? You earn work credits based on your yearly wages or self-employment income. In 2025, you earn one credit for each $1,730 of wages or self-employment income, up to four credits per year.
• How Many Credits Do You Need? Most applicants need at least 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years ending the year your disability began.
• If You’re Younger: If you became disabled at a younger age, you may need fewer credits. For example, someone under age 24 may qualify with just 6 credits earned in the 3 years before their disability started.

This ensures that SSDI is only available to those who have contributed to the Social Security system through their work.

2. Severe Medical Disability Requirement

Your condition must meet the SSA’s definition of disability, which includes:

• Being severe enough to prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2025, earning more than $1,550 per month ($2,590 if you are blind) generally disqualifies you.
• Your condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work tasks, such as lifting, standing, walking, remembering, or communicating.

3. Long-Term Disability Duration

SSDI is intended for long-term or permanent disabilities. Therefore, your condition must:

• Have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 continuous months, or
• Be expected to result in death.

Short-term disabilities or partial disabilities do not qualify under SSDI guidelines.

4. Meeting or Equaling a Listed Impairment

The SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments, also called the Blue Book, which outlines conditions that automatically qualify if their specific medical criteria are met. Some examples include:

• Severe musculoskeletal disorders
• Neurological disorders like epilepsy or multiple sclerosis
• Certain cancers
• Mental health disorders such as schizophrenia or severe depression

If your condition is not listed, you may still qualify if you can demonstrate that your impairment is of equal severity to a listed impairment.

5. Inability to Perform Previous or Other Work

Even if your condition does not meet a listed impairment, the SSA will evaluate:

• Past Work: Whether your disability prevents you from performing any of the jobs you held in the last 15 years.
• Other Work: Whether you can adjust to other types of work considering your age, education, work experience, and limitations. This means that if you can no longer do your past work but could perform a less physically demanding job, your claim may be denied unless you prove otherwise.

6. Residency and Citizenship

To qualify for SSDI, you must be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident and reside in the United States, including Mississippi.

Why Meeting SSDI Eligibility Matters

Failing to meet any of these requirements will lead to a denial of your application. Before you apply, it is wise to:

• Review your work history to confirm sufficient credits
• Consult with your doctor to ensure your medical records are detailed and current
• Understand how your condition affects your daily life and ability to work

Being fully prepared from the start will strengthen your case and minimize delays.