If you’re thinking about applying for Social Security Disability Insurance, you need to consider more than the status of your condition.

While you need to present evidence of a disabling condition, you also need to meet the following requirements.

To be eligible for SSDI, you must have accumulated a prescribed number of Social Security credits (normally accumulated through work experience and payment into Social Security) during the 10 years immediately preceding disability. Requirements vary according to age, and if you are suffering disability before age 23 you may be able to draw on your parents’ Social Security credits without affecting their eligibility for SSDI.

If you appear to meet these basic requirements and have a disabling condition, you may well qualify for SSDI benefits. But there is another important requirement to be aware of.

Does your condition prevent you from engaging in “Substantial Gainful Activity”?

Contrary to what many people believe, your disability does not need to prevent you from engaging in all work for you to be eligible to receive SSDI benefits. There are income requirements for SSDI, however, and if you make more than a certain amount of money from your work, it’s unlikely you’ll receive SSDI. This amount changes regularly, so it’s important to stay informed. You can easily get up-to-date information by calling the Social Security Administration toll-free at 800-772-1213 (TDY 1-80325-0778). During the 2012 tax year, the amount disqualifying someone from receiving SSDI benefits is set at $1010 per month.

“Substantial Gainful Activity” refers to any type of work.

If the Social Security Administration determines that your condition prevents you from doing the sort of work you did before, it will try to determine whether your condition prevents you from adjusting to other types of “Substantial Gainful Activity.” If, despite your condition, you are considered capable of earning an income from other work, it’s unlikely you’ll be found eligible for SSDI.

These are the primary non-medical considerations when it comes to determining eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. For a summary of medical requirements for SSDI, click here.

Making an informed decision is always the best thing you can do. Click here for a free SSDI evaluation to help determine where you stand. If you’d like more information about Social Security Disability, a qualified MedicareMall agent will be happy to answer your questions. We’ll also be glad to answer any questions you may have about Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, Medicare Advantage, or Medigap plans. Contact MedicareMall now and we’ll make it our priority to help you make the best-informed decisions possible.

Also Read: Medical Requirements for Social Security Disability