When you apply for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits, you must have a certain number of work credits to qualify. The amount of work credits you have is determined by how much you have worked, and the number required depends on your age, earnings and the program you are applying for. Below, our Social Security Disability attorneys in Cincinnati explain how work credits apply to SSD benefits. If you need assistance with your disability benefits application, request a free, no obligation consultation today.
What Is A Work Credit?
Work credits are used by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to determine if a person has the minimum amount of covered work in order to qualify for Social Security programs. SSD and retirement benefits require work credits whereas Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is an income-based program. You can qualify for SSD benefits no matter your household income. The SSA qualifies an individual for SSD benefits based on the number of work credits he or she has, if enough credits were earned in recent years and if the SSA’s disability criteria are met.How Work Credits Are Earned
When you work and earn a wage, a portion of your paycheck deductions or self-employment taxes are paid to the SSA based on the amount you earn. A person can earn one work credit for every $1,320 earned, up to four work credits each year, as of 2018. Your work credits accrue over your lifetime. Having extra credits does not increase the amount of benefits payed – your average earnings over the years you work determines the amount of your monthly SSD benefits.Work Credits Needed For Ssd Benefits
The amount of work credits required to be eligible for SSD benefits depends on the age at which you become disabled. In general, a person must have 40 work credits with 20 of these credits having been earned in the last 10 years prior to becoming disabled.- If you become disabled before turning 24, you could qualify for SSD benefits with six work credits earned in the three-year period prior to your disability, ending when the disability began.
- If you are disabled between the ages of 24 to 31, you could qualify for SSD benefits if you worked half the time between turning 21 and becoming disabled.
- If you are disabled between the ages of 31 through 42, you must have 20 work credits to qualify for SSD benefits. You must have worked a minimum of five of the last 10 years, building up the required 20 work credits. The number of benefits required increases by one each year until the age of 62 or older, maxing out at 40 work credits required.
