Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor (CRPC) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CRPC Practice Questions and Study Guide

To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, one of the key requirements is that the individual must be younger than the Social Security normal retirement age. This age varies depending on the year of birth, typically ranging from 66 to 67 years. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is specifically designed to provide support to individuals who are unable to work due to a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death.

Being over the normal retirement age disqualifies a person for SSDI benefits, as they may instead apply for Social Security retirement benefits. Having a terminal illness is not a requirement for SSDI eligibility, as the program is open to a wide range of disabilities that impair the individual's ability to work, regardless of whether the condition is terminal. Additionally, the onset of the disability does not have to occur within the last five years; as long as the applicant has a qualifying disability and sufficient work history, they may still be eligible regardless of when the disability began. Thus, being younger than the normal retirement age is a crucial criterion for accessing these benefits.