If you have a health condition that has recently interfered with your ability to work, you're not alone. Almost 9 million people received disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA) in 2014. Like you, there are probably people who need it but don't understand the qualification process or else they don't know where to turn. If you can, it's wise to consult with an attorney who can guide you through the proper channels for applying. But before you get started, here are five quick questions you can ask yourself to determine if you meet the criteria for receiving benefits.

1. Have you been diagnosed with a disabling condition?

In order to simplify some things, the government has compiled a list of disabling conditions. And if your condition is on this list, you may qualify to receive a monthly check. The list is lengthy and covers both adult and childhood conditions.

The good news is if you don't find your condition on that list, it does not mean you don't qualify to receive benefits. It simply means there are other factors that must be evaluated.

2. Does your condition prohibit you from working?

If you've been diagnosed with a disabling condition, the SSA will want to know if that particular condition is the cause of your inability to work. In order to make this determination, they'll need to know exactly what you do and how you perform your duties.

For example, suppose you've worked at home part-time as a freelance photo editor. Your job primarily entails electronic communication with clients and the use of computer software to perform the edits. But recently, you were diagnosed with a hearing loss so severe you can no longer speak and you need a cochlear implant. While you still might be entitled to receive benefits in this case, it may be a little more difficult to prove that you can't do your job if that job did not require hearing and speech capabilities to start with. And it becomes increasingly difficult if you have continued to work uninterrupted despite the diagnosis.

On the other hand, if you were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, that most certainly might interfere with your ability to type, use a mouse, and perform other electronic tasks for the photo editing process.

3. Are you currently making money through employment?

One of the biggest things the SSA will look at is whether or not you are able to bring in some form of income. This is known as SGA, or substantial gainful activity. Fortunately, you don't have to be completely out of work in order to receive benefits, but there is a limit.

In 2015, if you are disabled and bring home more than $1,090 per month, or you're blind and earn more than $1,820, you probably won't qualify for disability benefits. Keep in mind though, if you receive income in the form of cash gifts, interest, or payouts from investments, you do not have to worry about those affecting SGA.

It's also important to note that exceeding the SGA will not necessarily disqualify you. For instance, you may have had extenuating circumstances that allowed you to work more hours than usual, such as a friend who was able to provide transportation for the week or an employer who could temporarily accommodate your needs.

4. Have you earned enough Social Security work credits?

In order to qualify for Social Security disability, you must have earned a certain number of work credits. And how many depends on your age at the time of the disability. In 2015, $1,220 in covered earnings equates to one credit. You can earn a maximum of four credits per year.

For those who are under 24 years of age, you must have earned 6 work credits over the course of 3 years prior to being diagnosed.

If you're between 24 and 31 years of age, you must have worked at least half the time since the age of 21. In other words, if you are 25, you must have worked for at least two years and earned 8 credits.

For those who are over the age of 31, the number of needed work credits will depend on your exact age, but the minimum number of credits needed is 20 over the past 10 years. 

5. Are you able to do any other type of work?

Being diagnosed with a disabling condition that interferes with your ability to perform your usual work isn't quite enough to meet the criteria. The SSA will need to determine if there is any other work you're able to do. They will look at a number of factors including your age, your education, and any previous work experience.

For instance, using the rheumatoid arthritis example above, if you are over the age of 50, have no formal education, and no other previous work experience, it might be a little more challenging for you to find a different line of work than someone who is 30 and has a history of working other types of jobs that can accommodate their needs.

The process of applying for Social Security disability benefits can be complex. It's important to seek legal counsel if you're not sure how to handle your disability claims case.