For millions of Americans, a serious illness or injury isn’t just a medical battle; it’s an existential threat to their ability to earn a living. When work becomes impossible due to a long-term disability, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is one of the best options for continuing to have a monthly income.
The SSDI program, administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), is a benefit in its own right, funded by workers’ contributions throughout their careers. But what medical conditions actually qualify for this vital support? And once approved, what level of financial support do these benefits offer?
The medical conditions most frequently approved for SSDI
The SSA doesn’t approve benefits based solely on a diagnosis, because it requires much more documentary support than that. It uses a “Listing of Impairments” (Adult Listings) as a standardized medical guide to assess the functional severity of a condition.
Although not restrictive, this list is essential, and the data reveal clear patterns regarding the conditions that most frequently meet the strict criteria for total and prolonged work disability.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases
Painful health conditions, such as musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders, are generally among the most approved, with approximately 34% of applications accepted. This category includes degenerative arthritis, severe chronic back pain (often associated with conditions such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis), fibromyalgia (when thoroughly documented and with severe functional limitations), and traumatic soft tissue injuries with permanent sequelae.
These conditions are the leading cause of SSDI approval due to their prevalence and the devastating impact that chronic pain, extreme stiffness, and loss of mobility have on the ability to perform almost any type of work, especially those requiring physical exertion, standing, walking, or manipulating objects. The SSA rigorously evaluates objective medical evidence (imaging, clinical findings) and reported functional impact.
Mood disorders
The second most common group of conditions approved by the SSA are mood disorders (18% of the approvals), and these include treatment-resistant major depression, bipolar disorder, and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) in its most severe form.
These illnesses can be equally disabling. They severely impair concentration, persistence, decision-making, and social interaction. Manic episodes, severe depression, or crippling anxiety impede regular work attendance, meeting deadlines, and managing work-related stress. Detailed, longitudinal psychiatric documentation is essential.
Nervous system disorders
Nervous system disorders (11.5% of SSDI approvals), such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, uncontrolled epilepsy, cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) with significant sequelae, severe peripheral neuropathies, and the like, are also quite common.
They affect essential functions such as movement, coordination, sensation, cognition, and speech. The progression of diseases such as MS or Parkinson’s, or frequent and unpredictable seizures, make it impossible to maintain stable and secure employment.
Cancer conditions
Advanced cancers (stage III or IV) or those with a poor prognosis (such as certain pancreatic, lung, ovarian, brain cancers, and aggressive leukemias), and those requiring intensive treatments (chemotherapy, radiation therapy) with debilitating side effects that prevent work for a year or more, make up about 8.5% of cases approved for SSDI.
Metastatic disease itself or the exhausting and toxic effects of treatment (extreme fatigue, nausea, pain, immunosuppression) make it impossible to perform work. The SSA’s Compassionate Allowances program expedites many cancer claims due to the time pressures of the disease.
Heart disease
Congestive heart failure (NYHA Class III-IV), severe coronary artery disease with frequent ischemic episodes despite optimal treatment, severe uncontrolled arrhythmias, causing extreme fatigue, dyspnea (shortness of breath) with minimal exertion, chest pain and severely limiting tolerance to physical activity essential for most jobs.
Other conditions accepted by the SSA for disability payments
Respiratory disorders (6.5%): Severe COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), severe uncontrolled chronic asthma, pulmonary fibrosis. Disabling dyspnea is the hallmark.
Mental illnesses: Schizophrenia, severe anxiety disorders (such as debilitating post-traumatic stress disorder), severe personality disorders. These profoundly impair judgment, reality, and interaction.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), hematologic diseases (sickle cell anemia with frequent attacks and complications, hemophilia with debilitating joint bleeding, and immune system diseases (HIV/AIDS with opportunistic complications or serious side effects of treatment, severe rheumatoid arthritis unresponsive to treatment) are also often approved by the SSA.
The average SSDI benefit in 2025 is $1,580, close to what more than 90% of beneficiaries receive, while a small percentage receive the maximum of $5,108.
