WHAT CONDITIONS QUALIFY FOR AUTOMATIC DISABILITY IN AL? Very few conditions automatically qualify for Social Security benefits anywhere. There are a few exceptions: 1. One of the more than 200 impairments on the Compassionate Allowances list will qualify with appropriate medical documentation. https://www.ssa.gov/compassionateallowances/conditions.htm 2. End stage renal disease 3. Stage 4 Cancer (in most cases) 4. Any terminal illness. All impairments/conditions must have a definite diagnosis by an "acceptable medical source," which usually means a licensed Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, or a similarly qualified professional. It is helpful to obtain doctor's records where the condition was diagnosed--and submit them with your claim. Include any diagnostic tests that identified the disease--MRI reports, CT reports, lab tests or biopsy results, etc. The medical evidence you submit s...
Yes, you may collect Social Security disability if your spouse or someone else living in your household works. It doesn't matter how much money they earn. The only restriction for SSDI benefits is that the claimant cannot be working at "Substantial Gainful Activity" or SGA. In 2025, you are working at SGA level if you earn gross monthly wages of at least $1,620 per month. (In 2024 that amount was $1,550 per month; it's adjusted annually for inflation). Social Security disability is not needs-based or income restricted. You don't need to be poor or have limited finances to get SSDI benefits. (Don't confuse SSDI with Supplemental Security Income or SSI, which does have severe financial restrictions). With SSDI, you may have large savings, bank accounts or investments--as long as you (the claimant) is not working. SSDI looks only at the claimant's income--and only to see if the income is from work activity (wages, salary, commissions or self employment)...