The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees several different types of benefits. Workers often rely on Social Security benefits to supplement their retirement savings or pensions when they stop working full-time later in life.
The SSA also administers benefit programs intended to protect those with major medical challenges. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are an entitlement program available to older adults and certain people with disabling medical conditions. Even children who have never worked can sometimes qualify for SSI benefits.
Social Security Disability Insurance SSDI benefits are an earned benefit. Only those with significant work histories typically qualify for SSDI benefits. Typically, SSDI applicants need to have conditions that prevent them from working at all and that should last for a year or longer.
How do workers earn the ability to request SSDI benefits when their medical status changes?
Workers accumulate employment credits
The SSA receives contributions based on the pay that workers earn. Every worker who makes federal tax contributions through employer withholdings or quarterly estimated payments accrues Social Security credits.
Workers can earn up to four credits each year. As of 2024, the SSA awards one credit for every $1,730 a worker earns. Professionals who earn at least $6,920 annually can accrue the maximum four credits granted each year.
Applicants over the age of 31 generally need to have at least 40 credits, which means 10 years of work history. The SSA also expects a recent work history. A worker over 31 applying for SSDI benefits needs to have 20 credits from within the last 10 years.
There is a sliding scale that applies when workers under the age of 31 can no longer support themselves due to medical challenges. The youngest professionals with disabling medical conditions can sometimes qualify with as few as six credits earned in the three years before they apply for benefits.
Most professionals who have worked consistently can qualify for SSDI benefits based on their employment history. Individuals applying for SSDI benefits often need help with the paperwork. They may need assistance reviewing their work history and medical information to ensure that they are eligible for SSDI benefits. Understanding the rules for SSDI benefits can help people decide if applying is a worthwhile endeavor.