All About Social Security Disability Benefits: How Much Work Do I Need to be Eligible?

One of the number one questions that disabled Americans have when they think about potentially applying for Social Security Disability benefits is just how much work they need to have done to be eligible. Indeed, while most Americans are aware of the Social Security Disability system, and the fact that disabled individuals in the United States may be entitled to cash benefits to help them financially, fewer likely know the eligibility criteria required to obtain Social Security Disability benefits, and how much work a disabled individual may need in order to qualify for the program. But exactly how much work does a disabled individual need to have in their record in order to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits? And where can disabled individuals go for legal help getting Social Security Disability benefits due to them? We answer those questions here.

Social Security Disability and Work Credits

In addition to meeting the definition of “disability” under the Social Security Administration’s rules and regulations, disabled individuals who are seeking Social Security Disability benefits must also have worked long enough and recently enough to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration states that, “Whatever your age, you must have earned the required number of work credits within a certain period ending with the time your disability begins. If you are eligible now, but you stop working under Social Security today, you may not continue to meet the disability work requirement in the future.” The SSA adds that, “Social Security work credits are based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income. You can earn up to 4 credits each year. The amount needed for a work credit changes from year to year. In 2025, for example, you earn 1 credit for each $1,810 in wages or self-employment income you work in each quarter of the year. When you’ve earned $7,240, you’ve earned your 4 credits for the year. The number of work credits you need to be eligible for disability benefits depends on your age when your disability begins. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year your disability begins. This is called the 20/40 Rule. However, younger workers may be eligible with fewer credits.” It is clear that the formula that the Social Security Administration uses to determine how much a disabled individual’s benefits might be is complex, and working with an experienced Social Security Disability lawyer is the best way to get benefits due to you.

Getting Legal Help with Your Social Security Disability Case – Social Security Disability Lawyer

If you are seeking Social Security Disability benefits and you need legal help, contact the experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law. The experienced Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law are here to help disabled individuals get Social Security Disability benefits due to them. Contact Nationwide Disability Law and speak to a lawyer about your case now.

Source:

ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html#anchor1