Federal disability benefits can help those who cannot work because of their health challenges. Yet, not everyone dealing with major medical issues qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. An applicant’s medical condition has to be severe enough to qualify. It also needs to last for 12 months or longer. The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks very carefully at every application and rejects anyone who doesn’t clearly meet the existing criteria for benefits.
Another important requirement is an adequate work history. People make contributions to Social Security with every paycheck they receive or every quarterly estimated tax payment they make. How long does an employee need to work, in general, to qualify for SSDI benefits?
Years of work history are necessary
People don’t have to make much to qualify for Social Security credits, but they do have to remain employed for many years. The SSA grants one credit for every $1,730 a worker makes. Employees can accrue up to four credits per year. They only need to make $6,970 per year as of 2024 to accrue the maximum credits possible per year. Regardless of how much they make, they can’t earn more than four credits per year.
Most applicants over the age of 31 need to have at least 40 credits on record with the SSA to qualify. Typically, at least 20 of those credits need to be from within the last 10 years. Even part-time workers who have had a job for 10 years are likely eligible. Workers can verify the number of credits they have accrued by logging into their online SSA account, contacting the local SSA office or reviewing the last letter they received confirming their contributions and eligibility.
For many workers, it is the medical evidence rather than the work history that proves challenging when they apply for SSDI benefits. Concerned employees can improve their chances by obtaining professional support during the application process. With that said, those who need with appealing may need guidance even more than those initially applying.
Learning about SSDI benefits rules can help people determine their eligibility. Those who are likely eligible may benefit from getting support throughout the often complex and frustrating application process.