What you have to prove
Show chronic kidney disease with GFR measured by an acceptable laboratory method of 20 mL/min/1.73m² or less for at least 90 days consecutively, OR serum creatinine of 4 mg/dL or more for at least 90 days consecutively with accompanying manifestations (renal bone disease, peripheral neuropathy, fluid overload, or anorexia/weight loss).
Medical evidence SSA expects
Serial creatinine and GFR lab results, nephrology notes, bone density or peripheral neuropathy workup when present, and symptom documentation.
Common misconceptions
Transient elevations or acute kidney injury don't qualify — SSA requires chronicity with labs documenting 90+ days of severe dysfunction.
Didn't meet the listing? You can still qualify via a Medical-Vocational
Allowance — SSA's determination that your residual functional capacity, combined with
your age, education, and work history, leaves no jobs you can do. See our
appeals guide for what to do after an initial denial.