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After months—or even years—of waiting through the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) process, seeing a status update that says:
“We started step 4 of 5 of the review process. A representative has started a final review to make sure that you still meet the non-medical requirements for disability benefits.”
can bring both relief and anxiety.
This stage is commonly referred to as the final non-medical review. It means Social Security has finished evaluating your medical eligibility and is now confirming that you still meet the non-medical requirements for benefits.
What Is the Final Non-Medical Review?
While earlier stages focus on whether your medical condition meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability, this final review looks at eligibility factors unrelated to your medical condition, such as:
- Work history and work credits (for SSDI)
- Income and resources (primarily for SSI)
- Citizenship or lawful residency
- Living arrangements
- Age and retirement status
This review is usually handled by a claims representative at the local Social Security office.
Work Credits and Insurance Status (SSDI Claims)
For SSDI, Social Security first confirms that you are “insured”—meaning you worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough and recently enough.
How Work Credits Are Earned
You earn work credits by working in jobs where Social Security taxes are withheld.
- In 2026, you earn one credit for every $1,890 in earnings, up to four credits per year.
- The dollar amount needed per credit changes slightly each year.
How Many Work Credits Are Required?
For most adults age 31 or older, you generally need:
- 20 credits earned in the 10 years before your disability began
(about five years of work)
For younger workers, the rules are more flexible:
- Under age 24: 6 credits in the 3 years before disability
- Ages 24–31: Credits equal to working about half the time between age 21 and the disability onset
The “Recent Work Test”
Social Security also applies a recent work test, which looks at whether your work occurred close enough in time to when your disability began. This requirement varies by age and is automatically reviewed during this stage.
If there are gaps or errors in your earnings record, this is often when SSA catches them—so reviewing your earnings history early can prevent problems.
Income and Resource Limits (SSI Claims)
If you applied for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the final review focuses heavily on financial eligibility.
Resource (Asset) Limits
SSI has strict asset limits:
- $2,000 for individuals
- $3,000 for couples
Countable resources include:
- Cash
- Bank accounts
- Stocks and bonds
- Additional vehicles
- Certain personal property
Not everything counts. Generally excluded:
- The home you live in
- One vehicle used for transportation
Income Limits
SSA also reviews all sources of income, including:
- Wages
- Other disability benefits
- Pensions or retirement income
- Regular financial support from others
If your countable income exceeds SSA limits, SSI can be denied—even if you are medically disabled.
Income Rules for SSDI (Common Confusion)
SSDI does not have asset limits like SSI.
You can have:
- Savings
- Investments
- Rental income
- Passive income (dividends, interest)
These do not affect SSDI eligibility.
What does matter is earned income from work. If you are performing substantial gainful activity (SGA)—generally more than:
- $1,690/month in 2026, or
- $2,830/month if blind
SSA may find that you are not disabled under its rules.
Passive income does not count as work activity.
Citizenship and Legal Residency Review
SSA will confirm that you meet citizenship or lawful residency requirements.
- U.S. citizens generally qualify if other criteria are met.
- Non-citizens may qualify if they fall into specific immigration categories (such as lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or certain parolee statuses).
SSA will review documents such as:
- Birth certificates
- Green cards
- Immigration paperwork
Living Arrangements and Household Support (SSI)
For SSI claims, SSA also examines:
- Where you live
- Who you live with
- Whether someone else helps pay household expenses
This can affect both eligibility and benefit amounts.
Age, Retirement, and Disability Benefits
Disability vs. Retirement
Your disability must have begun before full retirement age to qualify for SSDI.
Once you reach full retirement age:
- SSDI benefits automatically convert to Social Security retirement benefits
- The payment amount usually stays the same
- No action is required on your part
Early Retirement and SSDI
If you started early retirement while waiting on an SSDI claim:
- You can still apply for SSDI
- If approved, SSA will adjust your payments and pay the difference retroactively
Age as a Vocational Factor
Age also plays a role earlier in the process. For claimants age 50 and older, SSA is often more flexible in determining whether you can adjust to other work.
Possible Outcomes of the Final Review
At the end of this stage, SSA will issue one of three outcomes:
- Approval: You’ll receive a notice explaining benefit amounts, payment timing, and any back pay.
- Request for Information: SSA may ask for clarification or additional documentation.
- Denial: Usually based on non-medical issues such as insufficient work credits, excess income or resources, or citizenship status.
Denials at this stage can still be appealed.
How to Prepare for the Final Review
To reduce delays and avoid preventable denials:
- Keep SSA updated on changes in income, assets, or living arrangements
- Organize documents (tax returns, bank statements, ID)
- Respond promptly to SSA requests
- Double-check your earnings record for errors
Getting Help If Your Claim Is Denied
A denial does not mean the end of your case. Many claims are ultimately approved at the hearing level.
A Social Security disability lawyer at the Ortiz Law Firm can:
- Identify the exact reason for denial
- Prepare and pursue your appeal
- Represent you at a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge
Call (888) 321-8131 to schedule a free case evaluation.
