Key Qualifications for Disability in Idaho

Meet the SSA’s Definition of Disability

The SSA defines disability as the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medically determinable physical or mental impairment. This condition must:

• Last (or be expected to last) at least 12 months or result in death
• Prevent you from performing your past work or adjusting to other types of work

Medical Evidence That Supports Your Claim

You must provide comprehensive medical documentation that proves your condition meets SSA’s severity requirements. This includes:

• Doctor’s notes and diagnostic reports
• Hospital and treatment records
• Statements from specialists
• Functional capacity evaluations, if applicable

Your medical condition must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities.

Be Listed in or Equal to an SSA Impairment

The SSA’s Listing of Impairments (Blue Book) includes conditions that may automatically qualify you for benefits if they meet certain criteria. These include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Mental disorders such as depression or PTSD
• Neurological disorders
• Immune system disorders, and more

If your condition doesn’t meet a listed impairment exactly, you may still qualify if it’s medically equivalent in severity.

Sufficient Work History for SSDI

For SSDI, you need to have worked long enough and recently enough to earn the required work credits. Generally:

• You need 40 credits, 20 of which must be earned in the last 10 years
• Younger applicants may qualify with fewer credits depending on age

If you don’t meet these requirements, you may still be eligible for SSI, which is based on financial need, not work history.

Limited Income and Resources for SSI

To qualify for SSI in Idaho:

• You must have little or no income
• Your total resources (cash, bank accounts, property) must be under $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples
• You must also meet the same medical disability criteria as SSDI applicants

Must Not Be Engaged in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)

If you’re working and earning over a certain monthly amount, the SSA may determine that you are not disabled, regardless of your condition. For 2025, the monthly SGA limit is:

• $1,550 for non-blind individuals
• $2,590 for blind individuals

If you earn more than these amounts, you typically won’t qualify for benefits.