Basic SSDI Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for SSDI in New Mexico, you must meet both work-related and medical criteria set by the SSA.

1. Work Credit Requirements

SSDI is funded through payroll taxes, so you must have a history of working and contributing to Social Security. You typically need:

• At least 20 work credits in the last 10 years (for adults age 31+), which equals about 5 years of work.
• Younger applicants may qualify with fewer credits depending on their age.

You earn up to four credits per year based on your annual income.

2. Medical Disability Requirements

You must have a medical condition that meets the SSA’s definition of disability:

• The condition must prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).
• It must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• The condition must be severe enough to interfere with basic work-related tasks.

3. Listing of Impairments

The SSA maintains a “Blue Book” of recognized impairments. If your condition is listed and meets the criteria exactly, your application may be fast-tracked. However, you can still qualify if your condition is not listed—as long as you prove it prevents you from working.

The Five-Step Evaluation Process

SSA uses a five-step process to determine SSDI eligibility:

1. Are you working? If your earnings exceed the SGA limit, you may be disqualified.
2. Is your condition severe? It must significantly limit your ability to work.
3. Is your condition listed? If yes, you may qualify immediately.
4. Can you do your past work? If not, the SSA continues to step 5.
5. Can you do any other work? If not, you may be approved for benefits.

Additional SSDI Considerations in New Mexico

• You must be a U.S. citizen or qualified legal resident.
• SSDI is not based on income or resources—those limits apply to SSI (Supplemental Security Income), not SSDI.
• Your application will be reviewed by New Mexico’s Disability Determination Services (DDS).