Work history can have a significant impact on eligibility for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Unfortunately, many workers become disabled before reaching retirement ages. Applicants for SSD benefits should be familiar with the work history requirement for disability benefits.
Work credits
Applicants for disability have both disability and work history requirements to meet in order to be considered eligible for disability benefits. Applicants generally must demonstrate their disability using their medical records to establish that they suffer from a disabling medical condition that prevents them from working, and is expected to last for 12 months or longer, or to result in death. In addition, applicants for disability benefits must also have adequate work history to qualify for benefits.
Applicants for Social Security Disability benefits must have worked long enough and recently enough in a qualifying position to be eligible to receive SSD benefits. They do this by earning work credits which are based on their total annual wages or self-employment income. The number of work credits that applicant needs depends on their age at the time they become disabled. The number to be eligible also varies each year so applicants should be familiar with the current year requirements. Additionally, younger workers who become disabled may also be required to have fewer work history credits to qualify for benefits.
Social Security Disability benefits can help disabled individuals with their day-to-day needs. Because of their value to individuals and families struggling with disability, it is helpful to be familiar with the different components to qualify for SSD benefits.
