1. Basic SSDI Eligibility Requirements in Washington

To qualify for SSDI, you must meet both work history and medical disability requirements.

A. Work Credit Requirements

SSDI eligibility is based on your work record:

• You must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security.
• You need to have earned enough work credits, which are calculated based on your yearly income. In 2025, you earn one credit for every $1,730 in wages, up to four credits per year.
• Generally, you need 40 credits total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began.
• Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits. For example, if you become disabled before age 24, you may qualify with as little as six credits earned in the three years before disability onset.

B. Medical Disability Requirements

SSA considers you disabled if:

• You have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment.
• Your condition is severe enough to prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA). In 2025, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,550 per month (or $2,590 if blind).
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 continuous months or result in death.

2. How SSA Evaluates Disability in Washington

SSA uses a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine if you are disabled:

Step 1: Are You Working Above SGA?

If you are working and earning above SGA levels, SSA generally denies your claim.

Step 2: Is Your Condition Severe?

Your medical condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities such as standing, sitting, lifting, concentrating, or interacting with others.

Step 3: Does Your Condition Meet or Equal a Listing?

SSA maintains a Listing of Impairments (Blue Book) that includes severe medical conditions. If your impairment meets the criteria in the listings, you will be found disabled automatically.

Step 4: Can You Perform Your Past Relevant Work?

If your condition does not meet a listing, SSA assesses whether you can still perform any of your past jobs within the last 15 years.

Step 5: Can You Adjust to Other Work?

If you cannot perform past work, SSA will determine if there is any other work you can do based on your age, education, work experience, and residual functional capacity (RFC). If you cannot adjust to other work, you will be found disabled.

3. Medical Documentation Requirements

Your claim must include:

• Detailed medical records showing diagnosis, treatment history, and limitations
• Doctor’s opinions explaining why your condition prevents you from working
• Results of tests and imaging confirming your medical impairment
• Records from all treating specialists, therapists, and hospitals

4. Can Non-Citizens Qualify for SSDI in Washington?

You may qualify if you:

• Are a lawfully present immigrant with a valid work record under Social Security
• Hold a permanent resident status (green card) and have worked in SSA-covered employment long enough to meet credit requirements

Eligibility is based on both your legal status and your work history.

5. How Long Does SSDI Eligibility Determination Take in Washington?

The initial decision process usually takes 3 to 6 months, depending on:

• The completeness of your medical records
• Whether additional consultative examinations are needed
• SSA workloads and backlogs in your area

6. How Does SSDI Differ from Washington State Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML)?

Many residents confuse SSDI with PFML:

• PFML is a state program providing temporary leave for medical conditions or caregiving, funded through state payroll taxes.
• SSDI is a federal program for long-term or permanent disabilities based on your Social Security work history.

If your condition is long-term, SSDI provides continued monthly financial support beyond temporary state programs.