Key SSDI Eligibility Criteria in Wisconsin

To qualify for SSDI in Wisconsin, you must meet both medical and non-medical criteria:

1. You Must Have a Qualifying Disability

• Your condition must significantly limit your ability to work.
• The disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Your condition should be listed in the SSA’s Blue Book or be equivalent in severity.

2. You Must Be Insured Through Work Credits

• You need to have worked and paid into Social Security long enough to earn sufficient work credits.
• Most people need 40 credits, 20 of which must be earned in the last 10 years. Younger applicants may need fewer credits.
• Typically, you earn 1 credit for every $1,730 in wages or self-employment income (as of 2024), up to 4 credits per year.

The Five-Step Evaluation Process

The SSA uses a structured five-step process to evaluate SSDI claims:

Step 1: Are You Working?

If you're working and earning above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) levels ($1,550/month in 2024 for non-blind individuals), your claim may be denied.

Step 2: Is Your Condition Severe?

Your impairment must significantly limit basic activities, such as lifting, standing, walking, or remembering.

Step 3: Does It Meet a Listed Impairment?

If your condition is on the SSA's Listing of Impairments, or equivalent in severity, you may be automatically approved.

Step 4: Can You Do Your Past Work?

SSA checks if you can still perform your most recent job.

Step 5: Can You Do Any Other Work?

If you can’t do previous work, SSA considers whether you can adjust to other jobs based on your age, education, and skills.

Medical Evidence Is Essential

Even if you meet all criteria, your application must include comprehensive medical documentation, such as:

• Doctor's evaluations
• Treatment records
• Test results
• Statements from physicians detailing your limitations