How Many Work Credits Do You Need for SSDI? 

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides critical financial support for individuals who are unable to work due to a qualifying disability. To be eligible for SSDI, understanding the concept of work credits is essential.

Work credits are earned through your employment history, as you pay Social Security taxes on your income. The number of work credits required to qualify for SSDI depends largely on your age at the time of your disability.

Generally, most applicants need 40 credits, with at least 20 of these earned within the last 10 years. However, younger workers may need fewer credits due to their shorter work history.

Determining how many credits you have and how they are calculated is a vital step in navigating the SSDI application process. This article will break down what work credits are, how they are earned, and how to determine your eligibility, ensuring you understand every aspect of this critical qualification requirement.

If you require assistance filing a claim for disability, or need help appealing a denied claim, it is essential to seek the support of an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer.

Harris Disability Law has a team of knowledgeable attorneys dedicated to helping individuals receive the benefits they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us guide you through the complex process of applying for SSDI.

Definition: What Are Social Security Work Credits?

Work credits form the foundation of your Social Security benefits. You earn them through your contributions to the Social Security system. Your Social Security tax payments (known as FICA) help you build these valuable credits.

These credits work like points you collect during your career that show you’ve contributed enough to qualify for benefits when needed. They are earned based on how much income you earn and how long you have been working.

Every year, the Social Security Administration establishes an amount of income that qualifies as one work credit. This means that every year, the amount changes.

How Credits Are Calculated in 2024

The calculation of work credits in 2024 follows a simple pattern:

• Earn $1,730 in covered earnings = 1 credit
• Maximum of 4 credits per year
• Need $6,920 total earnings to get all 4 credits for the year

These amounts change yearly to match average wage increases. Your credits remain on your record forever, regardless of job changes or work gaps.

Why Work Credits Matter for SSDI

Work credits give you access to SSDI benefits when you need them most. Most workers must meet two qualifications:

1. A total of 40 credits overall
2. 20 of these credits earned in the last 10 years before your disability began.

The rules differ for younger workers who often need fewer credits. To cite an instance, if disability strikes before age 24, you might qualify with just six credits earned in the three years before your disability.

Required Work Credits by Age Group

Let’s look at how your age affects SSDI work credit requirements.

Work Credit Requirements Under Age 31

The requirements become more flexible for younger clients.

People who become disabled before age 24 need just 6 credits earned during the 3-year period before their disability starts.

A simple, but different rule applies to those between ages 24-30: credits must cover half the time between age 21 and the onset of disability.

For instance, if you become disabled at the age of 29, you would need 16 work credits. This is calculated as half the time between 21 and 29, which is four years. Each year requires 4 credits, resulting in a total of 16.

Work Credit Requirements for Ages 31-42

This age group has steady requirements.

People between ages 31 and 42 need 20 work credits.

Most workers in this age bracket can meet this five-year work requirement without much difficulty.

Work Credit Requirements for Ages 43 and Older

The required credits gradually increase beyond age 42. Here’s what different ages require:

• Age 44: 22 credits needed
• Age 48: 26 credits needed
• Age 52: 30 credits needed
• Age 56: 34 credits needed
• Age 60: 38 credits needed

People age 62 or older need a maximum of 40 credits.

Work Credits Requirement by Age Summary

Here’s a table summarizing this information for quick reference:

Do Work Credits Affect the Amount of Disability Benefits You Receive?

Work credits do not directly affect the amount of disability benefits you receive.

Instead, they determine if you are eligible to receive benefits at all. Once you have met the necessary work credit requirements, the amount of your SSDI benefits will be based on your average lifetime earnings prior to becoming disabled. This means that the more you have worked and earned, the higher your monthly benefit payments will be.

However, there is a limit to how much you can receive in SSDI benefits. The Social Security Administration sets a maximum monthly payment for each year.

In 2024, this limit is $3,822 per month for individuals.

How to Check Your Work Credits

Your SSDI qualification depends on tracking work credits properly, and we’ll help you understand the entire process. Let’s look at some ways to check and monitor your credits.

Accessing Your Social Security Statement

A personal my Social Security account online gives you the quickest access to your information. This secure account lets you view your Social Security Statement, verify earnings, and check your estimated benefits. The SSA mails statements automatically to people over 60 who don’t have an online account, three months before their birthday

Using the SSA Online Calculator

The SSA provides different calculators to help you estimate your benefits:

• Quick Calculator: Gives rough estimates based on current earnings without accessing your actual record.
• Online Calculator: Creates more accurate calculations using your complete earnings history
• Detailed Calculator: Delivers the most detailed results and can compute almost any type of Social Security benefit

Note that even though these say retirement benefit calculators, they also work for SSDI calculations.

Reading Your Social Security Statement

Your Social Security Statement needs a yearly review. The statement displays:

• Current earnings record and history
• Estimated benefits for retirement, disability, and Medicare
• Your credit status for various benefits

Here’s an example of how this looks like which includes retirement benefits as well as disability benefits.

Contacting the Social Security Administration

If you prefer to talk with someone directly about your work credits and eligibility for benefits, you can contact the Social Security Administration by phone or in-person. Be prepared to provide personal information such as your Social Security Number and birth date for verification purposes.

Do Social Security Work Credits Expire?

No, Social Security work credits do not expire.

However, the timing of your work history is critical when it comes to qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Here’s what you need to know:

The Importance of the Date Last Insured (DLI)

While your work credits remain valid, you must meet the “date last insured” (DLI) requirement to receive SSDI benefits. Your DLI is typically five years after you stop working. To qualify for benefits, you need to prove that your disability began before your DLI.

Just like you can’t file a claim for an auto accident if your insurance lapses, you can’t receive SSDI benefits if you become disabled after your DLI.

Understanding your DLI is essential for ensuring you meet the requirements for SSDI eligibility.

Can I Earn Work Credits If I Work in the Military?

Here’s some good news if you served in the military.

The Social Security Administration gives extra earnings credits to those who served on active duty between 1957 and 2001. These special credits work like this:

• Service from 1957-1977 earns you $300 in extra earnings for each quarter of active duty
• Service from 1978-2001 gets you an extra $100 for every $300 in active duty pay, up to $1,200 per year

What If You Do Not Have The Required Work Credits?

If you do not have the necessary amount of work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits, you may still be eligible for other types of assistance such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These programs provide financial support to those with disabilities who have limited income and resources.

It’s essential to explore all your options and understand the eligibility requirements for each program to determine which one is best suited for your needs.

Hiring a Social Security Disability Attorney

Understanding work credits and their role in determining eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is crucial. Age plays a significant factor in the number of work credits needed, so it’s important to keep track of your earnings and regularly check your credit status.

If you are unsure of your eligibility for SSDI benefits, it may be beneficial to consult a Social Security Disability attorney who can guide you through the process and help you understand all of your options.

Harris Disability Law is a team of experienced disability attorneys who specialize in helping individuals navigate the complex world of SSDI benefits.

If you need help filing a disability claim, or if your claim has been denied, we can help.

Contact our office today for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions