MN Social Security Disability Insurance, or “SSDI,” is available for some people who are disabled and cannot work because of their disability. SSDI eligibility depends on a number of factors. Generally speaking, you must be disabled under Social Security’s rules, and have enough “work credits.”

Who is disabled under Social Security’s rules?
First, for SSDI eligibility, you must be “disabled” under Social Security’s rules. This generally means that you have a health condition that has lasted, or is expected to last at least one year, or that is expected to result in death. This medical condition also must prevent you from working full time at any job. It is not enough that it prevents you from working at any of your past jobs. Social Security does have a listing of impairments that are considered so severe that they automatically qualify a person for SSDI. If your medical condition is listed on the List of Impairments, or meets a condition on this list, then you will be considered disabled for SSDI eligibility requirements.

How are my work credits computed?
The second SSDI eligibility requirement is that you have enough work credits. When you worked, you paid social security taxes. These taxes generally transfer into credits. You must have enough total work credits, and enough recent work credits, for SSDI eligibility.

In general, your work credits are computed based on two different “earnings tests.” These tests are (1) a “recent work test” based on the age when you became disabled, and (2) a “duration of work test” that totals the number of years you worked before you became disabled.

• Requirements under the Recent Work test

1. If you become disabled when you are 24-years-old or before, then you need 1 ½ years of work in the three years before you became disabled.

2. If you become disabled between ages 25 and 30, then you need to have worked half the time between age 21 and your age at the time of your disability.

3. If you become disabled at age 31 or older, then you need to have worked 5 out of the 10 years before you became disabled.

• Requirements under the Duration of Work test

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding applying for disability benefits or appealing a denial from SSA. We provide Minnesota disability services throughout the state of MN. We are local Minnesota disability lawyers located in Minneapolis and concentrate on handling only Minnesota claims.

Completing an SSDI Application can be done by anyone and in a number of different ways. There is some basic information that you must know prior to completing the SSDI Application.

Who can complete the SSDI Application?
Anyone can complete the St. Paul SSDI Application. People can complete the application for themselves, or for someone else. If you have someone complete the SSDI Application for you and submit it online, then Social Security will send you a printed version of the SSDI Application for you to sign and return. You can also change any inaccurate information on this form.

How can I complete the SSDI Application?
There are several different ways to complete the SSDI Application.

• Online SSDI Application
Completing the online SSDI Application can be the easiest way for people who have access to the Internet and computer knowledge. The application is located at www.ssa.gov. Simply click on “Applying for Disability Benefits” to begin. If you would like someone to assist you with your online application, that is permitted.

• Filing the SSDI Application in Person
People who wish to file the Minnesota SSDI Application in person should visit their local MN Social Security Administration office. The closest Social Security office can be found in the government pages of your local phone book and through the Social Security’s website at www.ssa.gov. Most Social Security offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You should call your office to make an appointment prior to coming in and completing the SSDI Application.

What do I need to submit with my SSDI Application?
Submitting the SSDI Application is not enough. Minnesota Social Security requires that two more forms be submitted with it.

• Disability & Work History Report
After completing the SSDI Application, you must complete a document called a “Disability & Work History Report.” This form can be completed online immediately after completing the SSDI Application. It asks for information regarding your medical conditions, education, jobs you have had over the previous 15 years, and the names and addressed of doctors and hospitals where you have treated for your conditions. A Social Security representative can complete this with you if you are completing the SSDI Application at your local office.

• Medical Authorization
After you have completed the SSDI Application and Disability & Work History Report, you will have to sign and return an authorization so that Social Security can obtain your medical records to verify your conditions. You can print this from the Internet and mail it to your local office, or sign it at your local office after applying for St. Paul SSDI benefits.

Applying for SSDI is an option for many people who become disabled and cannot work. Prior to applying for SSDI, there are a few things that you should know.

Who can apply for SSDI?
Anyone can apply for SSDI, however not everyone is eligible for SSDI benefits. Because the MN disability application for SSDI can be a difficult process, it is important that you first ensure your eligibility.

1. Disabled
First, you must be “disabled” under Social Security’s rules. This generally means that you have a health condition that has lasted, or is expected to last at least one year, or that is expected to result in death. This medical condition also must prevent you from working full time at any job. This is a very strict definition of “disability” required by federal law. Social Security does have a listing of impairments that are considered so severe that they automatically qualify a person for SSDI. If your medical condition is listed on the List of Impairments, or meets a condition on this list, then you will be considered disabled.

2. Work Credits
Second, you must have enough work credits to be successful in a Minnesota disability application for SSDI. When you worked, you paid social security taxes. These taxes generally transfer into credits. You must have enough total work credits, and enough recent work credits, to be eligible for SSDI.

How can I apply for SSDI?
There are two ways of applying for SSDI:

1. Online
Applying for SSDI online can be the easiest route. The application is located at www.ssa.gov. Simply click on “Applying for Disability Benefits” to begin. If you would like someone to assist you with your online application, that is permitted. The person can also complete the application without you being present, and when it is complete, a representative from Social Security will mail you a paper copy of the completed online application. You must sign this and mail it back to Social Security.

2. In Person
People who wish to apply for Minnesota disability benefits in person should visit their local Social Security Administration office. The closest Social Security office can be found in the government pages of your local phone book and through the Social Security’s website at www.ssa.gov. Most Social Security offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You should call your office to make an appointment prior to coming in and applying for SSDI.