Eligibility Requirements for SSDI Benefits in Texas

Work History and Earnings

To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked and paid into Social Security for a certain number of years. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a work history record, also known as "work credits," to determine if you meet this requirement.

• Work Credits: You earn work credits based on your annual income. In 2025, you earn one credit for every $1,640 in income, up to a maximum of four credits per year.
• How Many Credits You Need: The number of credits required to qualify for SSDI depends on your age at the time you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 of them earned in the last 10 years before your disability started. However, younger individuals may need fewer credits, as the SSA adjusts the requirement based on age.

For example:

• If you are 31 years old or older, you typically need 20 credits earned in the last 10 years.
• If you are younger than 24, you may qualify with as few as six credits in the last three years.

Severe Disability

You must have a disability that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA defines a disability as a condition that prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). This means that your disability must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to work.

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If you are working and earning above a certain monthly income, the SSA may consider you ineligible for SSDI. In 2025, if you earn more than $1,470 per month (or $2,460 if you are blind), you may not be eligible for SSDI benefits.

Medical Evidence of Your Disability

In addition to meeting the work and income requirements, you must also provide medical evidence that supports your disability claim. The SSA will assess your condition based on the following:

• Listing of Impairments: The SSA has a list of medical conditions, known as the “Listing of Impairments,” that automatically qualify for SSDI benefits if you meet specific criteria. If your condition is not on the list, you must prove that it is equally severe and prevents you from performing any type of work.
• Functional Limitations: You must demonstrate that your condition prevents you from engaging in substantial work activities. This includes showing how your disability affects your ability to perform basic work tasks, such as walking, sitting, lifting, or concentrating.

Age, Education, and Work Experience

The SSA also considers your age, education, and past work experience when determining your eligibility. They evaluate whether your disability limits you to the point where you cannot perform your previous job or adjust to other types of work. If your disability prevents you from performing any kind of substantial gainful activity, you may be eligible for benefits.

U.S. Citizenship or Legal Residency

To qualify for SSDI in Texas, you must be a U.S. citizen or a legal resident. If you are not a U.S. citizen, you must have worked in the U.S. long enough to qualify for benefits. Additionally, you must be lawfully residing in the U.S. at the time of your disability application.