Am I Eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits in 2025?

Quick Answer for 2025

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in 2025, you must:

1. Have a severe medical condition that prevents full-time work
2. Expect that condition to last 12 months or longer
3. Have worked and paid into Social Security long enough (typically 5 of the last 10 years)

If you’re unable to work and have a strong medical record, you may qualify for benefits.

What Does Social Security Consider a Disability?

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), a disability must:

• Prevent you from doing any substantial gainful activity (SGA)
• Be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• Be proven with medical evidence (doctor’s records, MRIs, test results, etc.)

Examples include:

• Severe back injuries or spinal disorders
• Mental health conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression
• Autoimmune diseases (Lupus, Crohn’s, etc.)
• Cancer, diabetes complications, chronic fatigue
• Neurological disorders (MS, Parkinson’s, epilepsy)

Work History Requirements for SSDI

SSDI is not a needs-based program — it’s based on how much you’ve worked and paid into the system.

To be eligible in 2025, you typically must have:

• Worked 5 of the last 10 years, or
• Earned enough work credits

If you haven't worked recently, you may still qualify — especially under SSI (Supplemental Security Income), a separate disability program, which is a needs based program.

Signs You Might Qualify for Disability in 2025

You may have a strong case if:

     *You’ve stopped working or cut back significantly due to your health
     *Your doctors support your inability to work
     *Your condition has lasted (or will last) at least a year
     *You’re receiving consistent treatment or therapy
     *You have prior earnings and worked full-time in the past

Common Mistakes People Make When Applying

• Applying without medical documentation
• Saying “I can do light work” without knowing what SSA considers "disabled"
• Giving up after the first denial — most are denied at first
• Missing deadlines or using the wrong forms

At Crossroads Disability, we help you avoid these mistakes by handling the process for you — from initial application to appeals.

What If I’ve Already Been Denied?

You’re not alone. Most SSDI applicants are denied on their first try.

The good news? You can appeal — and many people win on appeal with proper representation. We can help you:

• File a Request for Reconsideration
• Prepare for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge
• File a federal court appeal if needed

Serving Clients Across Indiana & the U.S.

Crossroads Disability is based in Indiana, but we help clients nationwide with:

• Initial applications
• Reconsiderations
• Hearings
• Federal district court appeals (for SSD denials)
• SSI representation

Remote consults & e-signatures make the process easy, wherever you are.

Frequently Asked Questions About Disability Benefits



Free Case Review — Find Out If You Qualify Today

It costs nothing to find out if you qualify — and we only get paid if you win.