You Must Have a Qualifying Disability

To be eligible for SSDI, your condition must be severe enough to keep you from working full-time. Specifically, the SSA requires that:

• Your condition prevents substantial gainful activity (SGA)
• It is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• It is supported by medical documentation such as doctor’s notes, imaging, test results, and treatment history

The SSA uses a guide called the Blue Book, which lists impairments that automatically qualify if certain criteria are met. However, you can still qualify even if your condition isn’t listed—as long as it limits your ability to work.

You Need Enough Work Credits

In North Carolina, just like the rest of the U.S., SSDI is based on your work history. You earn “work credits” by paying into the Social Security system through your job. The number of credits required depends on your age when you became disabled:

• Most people need 40 work credits (about 10 years of work), with 20 of those earned in the last 10 years
• Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits

You can earn up to 4 credits per year, depending on your income.

You Must Be Unable to Perform Any Substantial Work

The SSA evaluates not just whether you can return to past jobs, but whether you can do any type of work, considering:

• Your age
• Your education level
• Your work history
• The physical and mental demands of other available jobs

If the SSA determines that your disability prevents you from doing any job on a full-time basis, you may be approved.

You Need to Apply Through the SSA

There are a few ways to apply for SSDI in North Carolina:

• Online at www.ssa.gov
• By phone at 1-800-772-1213
• In person at your local North Carolina Social Security field office

You’ll need to provide:

• Medical records
• Names and contact info of all healthcare providers
• Work history and job descriptions
• Proof of income and other documentation

What If Your SSDI Claim Is Denied?

Unfortunately, many SSDI claims in North Carolina are denied initially. But you have the right to appeal through several steps:

• Reconsideration
• Hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ)
• Appeals Council review
• Federal court review, if necessary

Appeals can take time, so it's important to stay organized and meet all deadlines.