What Is SSDI?

SSDI is a federal program designed to support individuals who have:

• Worked and paid into Social Security through payroll taxes
• A qualifying disability that prevents them from working
• Enough work credits based on their age and employment history

Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), SSDI is not income-based and is funded by your past contributions to the Social Security system.

Basic Qualifications for SSDI in New Mexico

To be eligible for SSDI in New Mexico, you must meet the following criteria:

1. You Must Have a Qualifying Medical Condition

Your condition must:

• Be medically determinable (diagnosed by a doctor)
• Prevent you from working or engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
• Last, or be expected to last, at least 12 months or result in death

The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains a Listing of Impairments, which includes conditions that are considered automatically disabling if they meet specific criteria. However, even if your condition is not listed, you may still qualify if you can prove it limits your ability to work significantly.

2. You Must Have Enough Work Credits

Work credits are earned based on your yearly income and how long you’ve worked:

• You can earn up to 4 credits per year
• Most applicants need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years
• Younger individuals may qualify with fewer credits

To check your credit total, create a “my Social Security” account at www.ssa.gov.

3. You Must Not Be Engaging in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

In 2025, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,550/month (or $2,590/month if you're blind). If you earn more than this threshold, the SSA may determine that you are not disabled—even if you have a serious condition.

Common Conditions That May Qualify for SSDI

While any severe condition may qualify if it meets SSA standards, common qualifying conditions include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., back injuries, arthritis)
• Neurological conditions (e.g., epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke)
• Cardiovascular conditions (e.g., heart failure)
• Mental health disorders (e.g., depression, PTSD, schizophrenia)
• Respiratory illnesses (e.g., COPD, asthma)
• Cancer
• Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)

The Five-Step Disability Determination Process

The SSA uses a standardized five-step process to determine eligibility:

1. Are you working and earning above SGA?
2. Is your condition severe?
3. Does it meet or equal a listed impairment?
4. Can you perform your past work?
5. Can you perform any other type of work?

You must provide strong medical evidence at each stage to move forward in the review.