Work History and Social Security Disability Eligibility

A disabled worker must have put have earned enough while working to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. But what type of work history do you need to be eligible for benefits?

The answer to this question can be complex. An individual seeking Social Security Disability eligibility must not only have worked a certain length of time, but also recently enough to collect assistance through the program.

In order to determine an individual has worked long enough, the Social Security Administration uses a credit system. For example, for every $1,200 in income a claimant earns in 2014, they will receive one credit. Typically, a claimant must accumulate 40 credits—with 20 being earned in the last 10 years—in order to qualify for benefits.

The amount of time an individual must have worked is also affected by the claimant’s age. Younger individuals may qualify for benefits with fewer credits.  For instance, a person who is younger than 24 years of age may qualify for benefits with only 6 credits accumulated over the past 3 years.

These rules highlight just how confusing the Social Security Disability system can be. They also show the importance of having a qualified Social Security Disability attorney by your side when filing for benefits.

At Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin, our legal staff can help your questions while walking you through each step of the application process. Just call (866) 684-7216 or fill out a free online form on our website.