How Many Work Credits Do You Need For SSDI?

If you are disabled and unable to work, you may be considering whether or not you should file a claim for disability benefits with the Social Security Administration. You may be wondering which type of benefit to apply for, how to qualify for those benefits, and whether or not work credits are required to receive them.

What Types of Benefits Are Available?

For individuals struggling with a disability that has rendered them unable to work, there are various options for disability benefits. In some cases, short-term or long-term disability policies provided by private insurers may be available. In other cases, the disabled person may choose to pursue disability benefits provided by the Social Security Administration.

The terms of short and long-term disability policies obtained through private insurers may vary – but generally, the Social Security Administration has uniform rules and requirements for the disability benefits it provides.

Those benefits include:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Benefits: The Social Security Administration typically provides SSDI benefits to individuals who are “insured.” To be “insured,” an applicant must have worked a qualifying job for a sufficient length of time and paid a portion of their salary into the Social Security system. The applicant must also have a qualifying medical condition that has rendered them disabled for a period of at least one continuous calendar year or more.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Benefits: To receive SSI benefits, an individual must also have a medical condition that has rendered them disabled for a year or more. Unlike SSDI benefits, however, the applicant need not be “insured.” Instead, the applicant must have income and resources below a certain level established by the Social Security Administration.

As noted, an individual must be “insured” to receive SSDI benefits. This means that he or she must have a sufficient work history and number of work “credits” to receive those benefits.

What Are Work Credits?

The Social Security Administration considers work credits to be accumulated by an employee over time as they work at a particular job. As an employee works and pays taxes, work credits begin to add up.

Ultimately, an employee can only earn a certain number of credits each year. As a general rule, four credits are allowed per year. The amount of work that an employee must do to earn a credit varies from year to year. In 2024, an employee can earn one credit per $1,730 of earnings. Typically, the amount required to earn a credit will increase yearly as earning levels increase.

How Many Work Credits Do I Need?

The amount of credits you need to receive SSDI benefits will depend on how old you were when your disability began. Usually, if you develop a disability before the age of 24, you will need one and a half years of work (or six credits) in the three years prior to the date your disability began. If you are between the ages of 24 and 30, you will typically need credits for half of the time between the age of 21 and the time that your disability began. If you are 31 or older at the time your disability begins, you will usually need at least 20 credits earned over the ten years prior to the time the disability began.

Are There Any Special Rules?

As with many legal matters, there are often special rules and limited exceptions given the circumstances. It is no different for Social Security benefits.

For example, if you are self-employed, you will generally earn work credits in the same way that other applicants do – unless you have net annual earnings below $400. There are also special rules that pertain to those in the military, those who perform farm work, and those who perform certain types of domestic work, among others.

Understandably, the law can often seem complicated and confusing. Certainly, you want to do all you can to maximize the benefits you receive and pursue your rights to the fullest. That’s why it’s essential to consult an attorney who knows and understands the law and can advise you on your particular circumstances. At Keener Law, we’re here to help.

Keener Law – Here For You

At Keener Law, we know that the law can often seem complicated and confusing. We also know that the last thing you need when you’re trying to live with a disability is added legal stress. That’s why we’re here to help. Instead of worrying and wondering if you’re doing all you can to pursue your claim for benefits and protect your rights, you can turn to us. When you do, you can know that you’re trusting your case to a talented, knowledgeable, and experienced team who will fight for you each step of the way. If you’re ready to get started, give us a call today. We look forward to speaking with you soon.