Work Credit Requirements in Louisiana

To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked long enough and recently enough under Social Security:

• Work credits are earned based on your yearly wages or self-employment income.
• In 2025, you earn one work credit for every $1,730 in wages, up to four credits per year.
• Most applicants need at least 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before disability.
• Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits depending on their age.

Medical Disability Requirements

SSDI is only available for individuals with serious medical conditions. To qualify, you must show that:

• Your condition prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA).
• In 2025, SGA is defined as earning more than $1,550 per month ($2,590 if blind).
• The disability is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• The condition is documented through strong medical evidence such as doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment history.

Types of Conditions That May Qualify

The SSA maintains a “Blue Book” of impairments that often meet disability criteria, including:

• Severe musculoskeletal conditions (such as back disorders and joint damage).
• Neurological disorders (like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis).
• Chronic illnesses (such as cancer, kidney disease, or heart conditions).
• Mental health conditions (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression).

Even if your condition is not listed, you may still qualify if it limits your ability to work.

Residency and Application in Louisiana

Louisiana residents apply for SSDI through the same SSA system as other states, but local Disability Determination Services (DDS) offices review medical evidence. Filing can be done:

• Online at the SSA website.
• By phone through the national Social Security line.
• In person at a local Social Security office in Louisiana.