Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Ohio, you must meet the following:

1. You Must Be “Disabled” Under SSA’s Definition

The SSA considers you disabled if:

• You cannot engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to your medical condition
• Your condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• You cannot do your previous work or adjust to other work due to your condition

2. You Must Have a Medically Determinable Impairment

You must provide medical evidence of a physical or mental condition that:

• Limits your ability to perform basic work functions
• Is diagnosed and documented by licensed healthcare providers
• Meets or equals an impairment listed in the SSA’s Blue Book (Listing of Impairments)

Work History and Income Rules

For SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance):

• You must have earned enough work credits based on your age and past employment
• Generally, you need to have worked 5 of the last 10 years
• Your condition must prevent you from earning above the monthly SGA limit ($1,550/month in 2025, or $2,590 if blind)

For SSI (Supplemental Security Income):

• You must have limited income and resources
• SSI is available to those with little or no work history
• You must still meet the SSA’s medical definition of disability

Qualifying Medical Conditions

You may qualify for disability benefits in Ohio if you have a condition such as:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., back injuries, joint problems)
• Neurological disorders (e.g., epilepsy, multiple sclerosis)
• Cardiovascular conditions (e.g., heart failure)
• Respiratory illnesses (e.g., COPD, asthma)
• Mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia)
• Cancer or immune system disorders

Even if your condition isn’t listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, you may still qualify if you can show that it limits your ability to work.

What the SSA Evaluates

The SSA follows a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine disability:

1. Are you working above the SGA level?
2. Is your condition “severe”?
3. Does your condition meet or equal a listed impairment?
4. Can you do any past work?
5. Can you do any other work?

You must pass through each of these steps to be approved for benefits.