Before you qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, there are medical and financial conditions that you must satisfy. One of the crucial non-medical eligibility requirements for SSD benefits is having sufficient work credits. If you have insufficient work credits, you are not considered as insured under SSD insurance. Here is a look at what work credits are, how they are calculated, and how many you need to be eligible for SSD benefits.
What are Work Credits?
Work credits refer to any credits earned throughout one’s work history. You receive work credits for each year you earn wages and deposit FICA taxes into the social security system. You can receive a maximum of 4 credits each year.
How Are Work Credits Calculated?
If you make a modest amount of money annually, you will possibly receive the maximum 4 credits for that year. For the year 2015, one work credit is equivalent to $1,220 up to the maximum of 4 per year. For example, if you earned $4,880, ($1,220×4) in 2015, you have 4 work credits for that year. The amount of money you need to make to earn one work credit has been changing since 1978. In 2017, you must earn $1,300 to get one work credit.
It is worth noting that all income is not subject to work credits. Only self employment income and wages are counted. Income from investments or pension payments is not counted toward work credits. Consult a social security disability lawyer for an accurate calculation of your work credits.
How Many Work Credits Do You Need To Be Eligible For SSDI?
When determining the number of work credits required, SSA will look at your age. To check whether you satisfy the requirements, the SSA will consider how long you have worked and your recent work activity. If you have enough work credits, you are eligible and qualify for SSD insurance. SSA does not make provisions for partial eligibility. If you have some but not sufficient work credits, you still do not qualify. Additionally, you do not get additional benefits if your work credits are more than enough.
The work credits you require to be eligible for SSD insurance depends on your age. Younger people require fewer work credits than older people.
If you are below 24 years of age, you are eligible if you have at least six credits earned three years before your disability started. If you are between 24 and 31 years, you are eligible if you have at least half the amount of credits you could have earned after you turned 21 years old. For instance, if you are 30 years old, your projected earnings from the time you turned 21 years of age is 36 credits. In this case, you would only need 18 credits to qualify. If you are disabled between ages 31 and 42 years of age, you require 20 credits to be eligible for SSD insurance. If you are above 42 years of age, you require between 20 -40 credits depending on when you became disabled.
For advice on your eligibility for SSD insurance, you should consult a social security disability attorney.
Eligibility For Family Members
Family members of workers who qualify for SSDI are also eligible to receive SSD benefits. For example, a disabled adult child of a person who receives SSD can get the same benefits even though they have never worked. Minor children, spouses, and ex-spouses are also eligible to receive these benefits. Family benefits are also known as auxiliary benefits.
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