One of the requirements for Social Security disability benefits is that the disabled applicant must meet work credit requirements. Work credits are based on work history and disabled individuals applying for Social Security disability requirements should be familiar with what they are and how to meet them.
Work history requirements for Social Security disability benefits
In addition to meeting disability and medical requirements, applicants for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits must also meet work history requirements to be eligible for SSD benefits. Social Security disability work credits can be earned towards eligibility for Social Security disability benefits.
Work credits are based on total yearly wages or self employment income. During 2020, earning $1,410 in wages or income would earn one work credit. Earning $5,640 in wages or income would earn a maximum of four annual work credits. A maximum of four work credits can be earned per year.
The number of work credits needed to qualify for SSD benefits depends on the age when the disabled applicant becomes disabled. If the disabled applicant becomes disabled at age 31 through age 42, they will need 20 work credits to meet the work history requirement to qualify for SSD benefits.
In addition, individuals who become disabled in their 40s will generally need 22 to 28 work history credits to meet the work history requirement to qualify for SSD benefits. A total of up to 38 credits will be needed for an applicant that becomes disabled in their 50s to meet the work history requirement to qualify for SSD benefits and an applicant aged 62 or older will need 40 work credits to meet the work history requirement to qualify for SSD benefits.
There are several different components to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, including work history requirements, that disabled individuals should be familiar with. SSD benefits are something that disabled individuals and families may be relying on which is why they should understand how to qualify for the important benefits.
