Work Credits Needed for SSDI Eligibility
In order to be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have earned enough work credits to have gained insured status. Work credits are simply the units Social Security uses to measure how much claimants have worked. Generally, one quarter of work equals one work credit. More specifically, in 2013, one work credit equates to $1160 in work earnings while four work credits (the equivalent to one year of work) equates to $4640. All four credits can be earned in just one quarter or they can be earned throughout the year.
Recent Work Test
In order to qualify for SSDI benefits, you must pass Social Security’s recent work test. If you are 31 years old or older, you must have worked 5 of the last 10 years, which is 20 of the last 40 quarters. Using the work credit concept, you must have earned 20 credits in the 10 years or 40 quarters before you became disabled. However, if you are under the age of 31, there are special rules that may allow you to qualify for SSDI even if you have not worked 5 of the last 10 years. If you are between the ages of 24 and 30, you must have worked at least half of the time that has passed since you turned 21. For instance, if you are 27, you must have earned at least 12 credits in the last six years or have worked at least three out of the last six years since you turned 21. Similarly, if you are under age 24, you must have earned at least six work credits or worked at least 18 months in the last three years before you became disabled.
Duration of Work Test
Your eligibility for SSDI is also contingent on passing the duration of work test. To pass this test, you must have worked a certain number of years based on the age at which you become disabled. Your work does not have to fall within a certain period of time in order to pass this test. For more details, please visit the following link: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10029.pdf
Contact Us
If you would like to learn more about whether you have enough credits to qualify for SSDI, please contact Viner Disability Law for a free and confidential consultation.
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