How to Qualify for Disability Benefits in Minnesota

If you live in Minnesota and can’t work because of a disability, you may qualify for federal financial support. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), approximately 130,000 Minnesotans receive disability benefits, either through Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Insurance. 

Read on to learn about the eligibility criteria for these benefits and whether you might qualify.

How to qualify for benefits in Minnesota

The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows a five-step process to evaluate eligibility for benefits.

1. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): First, the SSA determines if you have Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA). If you earn more than $1,550 per month, the SSA considers you capable of SGA, making you ineligible for disability benefits.

2. Severity of impairment: Your medical condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities for at least 12 months. The SSA will review your medical records to assess the severity of your impairment.

3. Meeting SSA’s disability criteria: The SSA maintains the Blue Book, a list of qualifying medical conditions. If it doesn’t include your condition, you’ll need to provide comprehensive medical evidence showing how your condition prevents you from working.

4. Past work evaluation: The SSA evaluates whether your condition prevents you from performing any of your past work. They will consider your work history and the physical and mental demands of your previous jobs.

5. Ability to adjust to other work: If the SSA determines that you can’t perform your past work, they will assess whether you can adjust to other types of work. This evaluation considers your medical condition, age, education, past work experience, and transferable skills.

How to qualify for SSDI

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must meet specific requirements:

• Disability: Your disability fits within the SSA’s criteria.

• Duration of disability: Your disability should last at least one year or result in death.

• Work credits: You accumulated enough work credits by working and paying Social Security taxes. Typically, this means having earned 40 work credits, 20 of which you earned in the last 10 years.

How to qualify for SSI

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) doesn’t depend on your work history but on financial need:

• Medical eligibility: You must have a disability, be blind, or be at least 65 years old.

• Asset limits: Single applicants must have less than $2,000 in countable resources, while the limit for married couples is $3,000.

• Income restrictions: Your total monthly income must fall below the federal benefit rate, which is $943 for 2024.

What is a disability in Minnesota?

There are a range of disabilities that might qualify for disability benefits in Minnesota. To be eligible, your medical condition must significantly impair your ability to work, and you must expect it to last at least one year.

• Mental disorders: These include conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, which significantly impact daily functioning and the ability to maintain employment.

• Musculoskeletal system disorders: This category encompasses a range of conditions affecting the bones, joints, and muscles, like arthritis, back injuries, and other degenerative diseases.

• Nervous system disorders: Conditions like multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and Parkinson's disease fall under this category as they affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

• Circulatory system diseases: This category includes heart conditions, hypertension, and other disorders affecting blood circulation.

• Injuries: Severe injuries that result in long-term disability, such as spinal cord injuries or severe fractures, can also qualify.

• Neoplasms (cancers): Various types of cancer can qualify if they significantly limit your ability to work and might last at least a year or result in death.

What is the most commonly approved condition in Minnesota?

Mental disorders are the most commonly approved disability type in Minnesota. Mental disorders include a range of conditions from mood disorders, like depression and bipolar disorder, to more severe conditions such as schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

SSA offices in Minnesota

If you need assistance or more information about qualifying for disability benefits, you can visit your local Social Security Administration (SSA) office for help.

Get help applying for disability in Minnesota

Applying for disability benefits can feel overwhelming, but Atticus is here to help. Start by taking our quick two-minute quiz to evaluate your eligibility. Once you complete it, a member of our team will reach out to discuss your case in more detail and provide personalized assistance.

We can connect you with a qualified disability lawyer who will guide you through every step of the application process. With Atticus, there are no upfront costs—you only pay your lawyer a one-time fee if they successfully secure your benefits. Working with a lawyer significantly increases your chances of approval and ensures you have expert support to navigate the complexities of your claim.

Related resources:

Minnesota Disability Benefits

By Jackie Jakab

SSA Offices in Minnesota

By Jackie Jakab