What overarching condition must a claimant meet to qualify for SSDI?

A claimant must establish that they have a severe impairment that significantly limits their ability to work in order to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This criterion is central to the SSDI program, which is designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who cannot engage in any substantial gainful activity due to a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

The severity of the impairment is assessed in relation to its impact on the individual's capacity to perform basic work activities. This includes the ability to perform physical tasks, process information, and communicate effectively. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a structured approach to evaluate these impairments, often referring to the Listing of Impairments, which contains examples of conditions that are considered severe enough to automatically qualify an individual for SSDI.

While the other options—such as age, years of work, and the provision of medical documentation—are relevant to the SSDI evaluation process, they do not encompass the foundational requirement of having a severe impairment. Age is not a primary factor for SSDI qualification, as it is for retirement benefits. Work history and medical documentation are necessary components but are specific conditions rather than the overarching requirement that must be met.