SSDI Eligibility Basics in Louisiana

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses strict guidelines to determine whether you’re eligible for SSDI. There are two core components to SSDI eligibility: a qualifying medical condition and a sufficient work history. Both must be met for your application to move forward.

1. Medical Eligibility: Do You Have a Qualifying Disability?

To qualify medically, you must be considered “totally disabled” under SSA’s definition. This doesn’t just mean you're unable to do your current job—it means you’re unable to perform any substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to your condition.

Your condition must:

• Be severe enough to limit your ability to perform basic work tasks
• Be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• Be included in the SSA’s Blue Book listings, or equal in severity to one of those impairments

Examples of qualifying conditions include severe back injuries, heart disease, cancer, neurological disorders, chronic mental health conditions, and autoimmune diseases—among many others.

If your condition is not listed, you may still qualify if the symptoms and limitations match the severity of those listed conditions.

2. Work History: Do You Have Enough Work Credits?

SSDI is an insurance program funded by payroll taxes, so your eligibility depends in part on how long—and recently—you’ve worked.

Key requirements include:

• You must have earned enough work credits, which are based on your annual income and work history
• Most people need 40 credits, with at least 20 earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled
• Younger applicants may qualify with fewer credits based on their age

You earn a maximum of 4 credits per year. For example, someone in their 40s typically needs to have worked at least 5 of the past 10 years. If you’ve never worked or haven't worked recently, you may not be eligible for SSDI—but you might still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on financial need.

Additional Considerations That Affect Eligibility

Beyond the basic requirements, the SSA will also look at:

• Your current income level – If you are earning more than the monthly SGA limit, you may be denied
• Ability to perform other types of work – Even if you can't do your old job, SSA will consider whether you can do other work
• Medical documentation – Your records must clearly support your claim of disability with up-to-date exams, test results, and physician notes
• Consistency in your condition – Conditions that fluctuate or are difficult to verify may complicate your application

If your first application is denied, you have the right to appeal, and many claims are approved during reconsideration or at the hearing level.