1. Work Credits and Recent Work History

To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits through paying Social Security taxes. Generally:

• You need at least 20 credits earned in the last 10 years before your disability began.
• The number of credits required depends on your age at the time you become disabled.
• Most people need 40 credits total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years, but younger applicants may qualify with fewer.

2. Medical Condition That Meets SSA’s Definition of Disability

The Social Security Administration defines disability as the inability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a severe medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Your condition must:

• Significantly limit your ability to work
• Meet or equal a condition on the SSA’s Listing of Impairments
• Or prevent you from doing any other kind of work based on your age, education, and work experience

3. Duration of Disability

Your disability must be expected to last for at least one year or result in death. Temporary or short-term impairments generally do not qualify.

4. Residency and Citizenship

You must be a legal resident or citizen of the United States and currently reside in Connecticut.