Have I Worked Long Enough to Be Eligible for Social Security Disability?
In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you will have to prove that you worked for a sufficient period of time. The Social Security Administration has specific rules that determine whether you will be eligible for benefits.
Quarters of Work Coverage
In order to become eligible for SSD benefits, you will have to show that you have worked for a sufficient number of credits, or quarters. A worker can earn up to four credits in a year. Generally speaking, you will need 40 credits in order to become eligible for SSD benefits.
These requirements vary for younger workers who become disabled. For disabled workers under the age of 24, they will have to have worked for six quarters in the previous three years. Disabled workers between the ages of 24 to 30 will have to show that they worked half the time between the age of 21 and the time they were disabled.
For instance, if you became disabled on your 27 th birthday, in order to become eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, you will need to show that you worked three of the previous six years.
Generally speaking, people 31 or older must have obtained 20 credits (or quarters) in the ten year period prior to becoming disabled. There are some exceptions to these rules, and a qualified Social Security lawyer can help determine whether you have a viable claim for benefits.
Talk to attorney Cynthia Berger if you have questions about the work requirements for SSD. Ms. Berger is an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer who has dedicated her career to helping people with medical impairments. Contact Ms. Berger and her support staff at our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, law office by calling us toll free at 888-572-1164 or contact us online.
