Basic Qualifications for SSDI in Kansas

To qualify for SSDI benefits in Kansas, you must meet both medical and work-related criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

1. You Must Have a Qualifying Disability

Your condition must:

• Prevent you from working or earning substantial income
• Be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• Be listed in the SSA’s Blue Book of impairments or be medically equivalent in severity

Examples of qualifying conditions include:

• Severe back disorders
• Mental health disorders
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Autoimmune diseases
• Neurological disorders (e.g., MS, Parkinson’s)

2. You Must Have Sufficient Work History

SSDI is an insurance program—you must have paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. This means:

• You need to have earned enough “work credits” based on your age
• Most applicants need 20 credits earned in the last 10 years (about 5 years of work)

Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

SSDI vs. SSI: What’s the Difference?

It’s important not to confuse SSDI with Supplemental Security Income (SSI):

• SSDI is based on work history
• SSI is based on financial need and doesn’t require work credits

Hogan Smith can help determine which program fits your situation.

What If You Don’t Meet the Qualifications?

If you don’t meet the qualifications now, you may still:

• Be eligible for SSI
• Become eligible later if your condition worsens or you gain more work credits
• File an appeal if your application was wrongly denied