Living with chronic pain can make it difficult to work consistently, maintain a schedule, or perform
everyday job duties. For workers whose conditions significantly limit their ability to work, Social Security
Disability Insurance (SSDI) may provide an important source of financial support.
Qualifying for SSDI is not based solely on having a chronic pain diagnosis. The Social Security
Administration generally looks at how the condition affects a person’s ability to perform substantial work
and whether the disability is expected to last long enough to meet program requirements.