How To Find Out if You Meet the SSDI Work Credit Requirement
When you cannot work due to a serious injury or illness, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is one of the options that can offer financial assistance. Unlike personal injury settlements, which depend on proving that another party’s negligence caused your condition, SSDI benefits are accessible as long as you meet the medical and work history requirements. You don’t need to prove anyone is to blame for your condition. If you don’t have the required credits, your SSDI application may be rejected even if you meet the medical criteria. This article discusses how you can find out if you meet the SSDI work credit requirement.
Understanding SSDI Work Credits
Work credits are the foundation for SSDI eligibility. You accumulate these credits by working a job covered by Social Security and paying Social Security payroll taxes. Credits are based on your total earnings and self-employment income. Every year, you can earn up to 4 credits. How much is required to earn a work credit may change annually. In 2025, every $1,810 earns one credit, meaning you must earn $7,240 in 2025 to get the maximum four credits.
It is vital to note that under SSA’s rules, even if you earn more credits than the minimum required to be eligible for benefits, the extra credits don’t increase your benefit amount. How much you will receive in monthly payments when you start benefits is usually determined by the average of your earnings over your working years, not how many credits you have.
How Many Credits Are Required To Qualify for SSDI?
The number of credits needed to get disability benefits depends on age.
- Before 24 years: You might qualify if you have six credits, which you earned within the last 3 years before disability onset.
- 24 to 30 years: Must have acquired roughly 50% the possible credits since age 21.
- 31 to 42 years: You generally need at least 20 credits earned in the last 10 years before your disability started.
- Age 43 and above: The required work credits increase incrementally, reaching their highest at 40 credits by age 62.
How To Find Out if You Meet the SSDI Work Credit Requirement
Keeping track of your work credits is vital to ensure you qualify for SSDI before applying. Applying for benefits before you are eligible can result in an automatic denial. An easy way to check if you meet the SSDI work credit requirement is to create an account on the Social Security Administration’s website (ssa.gov/myaccount/). Once you log into your account, you can view;
- Your work history
- How many credits you have earned
- An estimate of your potential SSDI benefits
How an Attorney Can Help
A skilled disability attorney can review your work credit record and help you determine if you are eligible for SSDI benefits. If you are, they can help you through the application process and prevent you from making mistakes that could lead to delays or a denial. A knowledgeable attorney can gather and present the right evidence and appeal a denial if your application is rejected.
Contact Us for Legal Guidance
If you are unsure whether you qualify for SSDI benefits, speak to our London and Southeast Kentucky Social Security disability attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm.
Source:
ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/credits.html#:~:text=During%20your%20lifetime,you%20receive%20benefits.
