SSD Work Requirements

Social Security Disability Eligibility & Work Credits

If you want to apply for and receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you will need to meet certain requirements. In addition to meeting disability requirements set forth and enforced by the Social Security Administration (SSA), you must have worked recently enough and for a certain period of time in order to be considered “insured” by the SSDI program. Understanding the amount of work credits needed can make a big difference as you determine whether you are eligible.

At Shook & Stone, our firm is committed to helping disabled workers seek Social Security disability, or SSD, benefits. We understand that the claims process can be difficult and that approximately two-thirds of initial disability applications are denied. With our experience in handling requests for reconsideration, hearings and appeals, our Las Vegas Social Security disability lawyers can help workers and their families through the claims process to successful results.

While you are always welcome to call our offices for a free consultation, you can also learn more about SSD work requirements by reviewing the following information.

How do I earn work credits?

Work credits are earned by being gainfully employed; that is, by working and earning money for doing so. Work credits are calculated based off your yearly earnings. The amount of earnings equivalent to one work credit varies from year to year, depending on the economy and other factors. In 2014, for example, you can earn one credit for every $1,200 in wages or self-employment income. You can only earn up to four work credits in one year.

How many credits are required for SSD eligibility?

The number of work credits required to qualify for disability benefits will vary depending on your age. The standard number, however, is 40 credits with 20 earned within the past 10 years. Younger workers may be able to qualify with fewer credits. The following are work credit requirements for SSD benefits, as of 2014:

• If you are younger than 24, you may qualify if you have earned 6 work credits within the past 3 years.
• If you are aged 24-31, you may qualify if you have credits for working half the time between age 21 and the time of your disability. If you were 29 when you became disabled, for example, you would need credits for 4 years (16 credits) out of the past 10 years.
• If you are aged 31-42, you will need 20 work credits to qualify.
• If you are aged 44-62, the number of work credits you need will vary depending on your age:
  • 44 years old: 22 credits
  • 46 years old: 24 credits
  • 48 years old: 26 credits
  • 50 years old: 28 credits
  • 52 years old: 30 credits
  • 54 years old: 32 credits
  • 56 years old: 34 credits
  • 58 years old: 36 credits
  • 60 years old: 38 credits
• If you are 62 years or older, you need the standard amount of 40 work credits to qualify.

Contact a Las Vegas SSDI Attorney for Additional Information

If you have questions about a denied claim, are about to begin the process of applying for disability benefits or are dealing with any type of issue related to your claim, please do not hesitate to call our firm. Representing workers throughout Nevada from our offices in Las Vegas, we are prepared to offer the experienced guidance and legal counsel you need.