Not everyone who becomes unable to work qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Some people have a condition that fully disables them but only lasts for a few months. Others may have a long-lasting condition but can pursue a different career.
A medical condition needs to be serious enough to leave someone completely unable to work. Additionally, it has to last 12 months or longer for an individual to be eligible for SSDI benefits. The final qualifying factor is whether or not the worker has sufficient credits accrued with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Credits relate to work history. People have to make a minimum contribution toward Social Security by working to be eligible for SSDI because they can no longer work.
What are the credit requirements for SSDI benefits?
For many workers, 40 credits is the minimum number required to qualify for SSDI benefits. 20 of those credits typically need to be from within the last 10 years. Many working professionals have accumulated 40 credits by the time they are in their late 20s.
A worker can only accrue four credits per year based on their reported income. Workers accrue one credit per $1,730 earned, although no one can earn more than four credits annually. If an employee has at least 10 years of regular part-time employment, they likely meet the basic requirements for SSDI benefits.
Younger workers can qualify with less
There are flexible rules for those who are under the age of 31. In some cases, professionals in their twenties and just beyond can qualify with far fewer than 40 credits. The rules differ based on age, but workers often need to have maintained employment for half of the time since they turned 21. Some people qualify with as few as six credits.
Workers can typically check the credits they have on record by communicating directly with the SSA. Provided that the applicant made at least $6,920 per year and has worked consistently, they should qualify.
Reviewing work history and medical issues at length with a skilled legal team can help professionals evaluate whether they may qualify for SSDI benefits. Employees with sufficient work credits can potentially secure assistance when they cannot work because of a medical condition.