Do You Qualify for Social Security Disability?
Eligibility in Pennsylvania
Understanding the Requirements for SSDI Benefits in PA
If you’re unable to work due to a serious injury or illness, you may be wondering, “Do I qualify for Social Security Disability benefits in Pennsylvania?” The answer depends on several factors—including your work history, your current ability to work, and the severity of your medical condition.
At Vellner Law, we’ve helped countless people across the Lehigh Valley and throughout Pennsylvania understand their eligibility and successfully apply for SSDI. Below, we break down what the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks for and how we help determine if you meet the requirements.
Two Parts of SSDI Eligibility: Work History & Medical Condition
To qualify for SSDI, you must meet both technical and medical criteria. Here’s how it works:
Work Credits
You must have worked long enough and recently enough in jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. In general, that means about 5 years of work in the last 10, though younger applicants may need fewer credits.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
You must currently be unable to earn more than a set monthly limit through work. If you’re earning above that threshold, SSA considers you able to work.
Disability Definition
SSA defines “disability” as being unable to engage in substantial work activity due to a medically documented condition that has lasted (or is expected to last) at least 12 months or result in death.
If you meet all three, you may be eligible to apply.
Medical Conditions That May Qualify for SSDI
SSA uses a “Blue Book” listing of conditions that may qualify for disability. But even if your condition isn’t listed, you can still qualify if it limits your ability to do any kind of full-time work consistently.
Common qualifying conditions for SSDI include:
Back and spine injuries (e.g., herniated discs, spinal stenosis)
Joint dysfunction or severe arthritis
Traumatic brain injuries
Severe PTSD or depression
Neurological disorders like MS or epilepsy
Heart disease or stroke complications
Cancer (especially if in treatment or advanced stages)
You don’t need to be bedridden—but if your condition prevents you from holding a regular job, you may qualify.
Disability Must Be Total, Not Partial
Unlike workers’ compensation, SSDI is not designed for partial or short-term disabilities. You must be unable to perform any substantial work, not just the job you used to do.
SSA considers:
Can you do the kind of work you did in the past?
Can you adjust to a different kind of job, based on your age, education, and skills?
If the answer to both is “no,” you may qualify. Older applicants (age 50+) often have more favorable rules if they can’t transition to lighter work.
Special Circumstances That May Affect Eligibility
There are some unique situations where eligibility rules vary:
Older Workers Over 50
SSA’s “grid rules” make it easier to qualify if your physical work history and age make it hard to transition to new employment.
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
If you haven’t worked enough to earn SSDI but are disabled with low income/assets, you may qualify for SSI, a separate disability benefit. We help clients evaluate this option too.
Spanish-Speaking Applicants
Our bilingual staff is here to assist the large Spanish-speaking community in Allentown and Bethlehem with understanding eligibility requirements. ¿Tiene preguntas sobre si califica para el Seguro Social por Incapacidad? Podemos ayudarle.
Common Myths About SSDI Eligibility
We often hear misconceptions from clients, including:
“My doctor says I’m disabled, so I’ll be approved.”
Not necessarily. SSA considers your doctor’s opinion, but makes its own decision based on its criteria.
“I already get workers’ comp, so I’ll automatically get SSDI.”
No—these are separate programs. SSDI requires meeting Social Security’s unique definition of disability.
“I haven’t worked in a while, so I can’t get benefits.”
Maybe not SSDI, but you might still be eligible for SSI. Let us review your case.
Wondering If You Qualify? Let’s Find Out Together
Every situation is different. We’ll review your work history, medical records, and earnings to honestly assess your eligibility and walk you through the next steps if you qualify.
Call today to schedule a free case review. We serve Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and clients across Pennsylvania—with virtual appointments available statewide.