The Social Security Administration (SSA) maintains relatively strict standards for disability benefits. Anyone applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits must prove that they have a medical condition that prevents them from maintaining any form of gainful employment. They also need to show that they qualify based on their employment history. How long a professional has worked, both recently and overall, can impact their eligibility for SSDI benefits.
How much work is necessary to qualify?
The SSA has a sliding scale
Many of the professionals applying for SSDI benefits are over the age of 31. They are subject to the standard rules regarding employment credits. A worker can earn one credit for every $1,860.
The SSA awards four credits at most each year, even if an employee makes many times more than the minimum amount necessary for four credits, which is $7,560 in 2026. Workers typically need to have 40 credits overall and 20 credits from within the last 10 years.
However, those under the age of 31 could be eligible with fewer credits. Those between the ages of 24 and 31 could qualify if they have enough credits to show that they worked for half of the time since they turned 21. Employees under the age of 24 could be eligible with as few as six total credits. Much of the time, even teenage employees and part-time workers could be eligible for SSDI benefits.
The support of a legal professional can also prove important for those applying for SSDI benefits or appealing after a denial. Reviewing work history, in addition to medical records, with a skilled legal team can be helpful for SSDI applicants who might otherwise be overwhelmed with all that is at stake and all that is involved.