For American workers facing a disability that limits their ability to work, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can provide vital income support. SSDI benefits range from an average of $1,539 to a maximum of $3,822 monthly, depending on work history and income.
However, SSDI eligibility hinges on meeting specific work credit requirements based on age. Here’s what new applicants need to know about work years required for SSDI and how these differ from requirements for retirement benefits.
SSDI Work Credit Requirements by Age
SSDI eligibility depends on accumulating work credits, which are earned through jobs covered by Social Security. To qualify, you must have worked a minimum number of years, with the exact amount required increasing with age.
Here’s a breakdown of work years needed by age:
| Age at Disability Onset | Required Years of Work |
|---|---|
| Before 28 | 1.5 years |
| 30 | 2 years |
| 34 | 3 years |
| 38 | 4 years |
| 42 | 5 years |
| 44 | 5.5 years |
| 46 | 6 years |
| 48 | 6.5 years |
| 50 | 7 years |
| 52 | 7.5 years |
| 54 | 8 years |
| 56 | 8.5 years |
| 58 | 9 years |
| 60 | 9.5 years |
These figures represent the minimum work requirements for SSDI eligibility, but additional factors, such as the severity of the disability and work credits earned, will also be assessed.
Understanding Work Credits and SSDI Eligibility
In addition to meeting the minimum work year requirement, SSDI eligibility relies on work credits. For 2024, workers earn one work credit for every $1,730 in covered earnings, up to a maximum of four credits per year.
This means that for each year you work and meet the income threshold, you can earn the maximum four credits, helping you reach the necessary total for SSDI qualification.
How Age Affects SSDI Eligibility
The older a person is at the time of disability onset, the more years of work are required to qualify. For instance, a 28-year-old needs just 1.5 years of work credits, while a 60-year-old requires 9.5 years.
This requirement increase reflects a standard intended to support those who have contributed to Social Security throughout their careers.
SSDI vs. Social Security Retirement Work Credits
While SSDI and Social Security retirement benefits are both administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), they have different requirements.
To qualify for retirement benefits, a worker must have at least 40 credits, which equates to about ten years of work, to file for retirement benefits at age 62.
This credit requirement for retirement aligns with SSDI requirements, as both require at least 9.5 years of work for those approaching the traditional retirement age.
SSDI Benefits for Younger Workers
Younger workers may qualify for SSDI with fewer years of work. For example:
- Individuals under 24 need only six credits (about 1.5 years) from work completed within the three years leading up to the disability onset.
- Individuals aged 24-31 can qualify with credits from working at least half of the time between age 21 and the disability onset.
How to Check Your Work Credits
The SSA offers an annual Social Security Statement that details your accrued work credits, potential disability, and retirement benefit amounts. Reviewing this statement can help determine whether you meet SSDI or retirement benefit requirements.
SSDI is an essential resource for Americans facing a disabling condition, and understanding work requirements can make a big difference in planning for the future.
With adjustments to work credits and income requirements, keeping informed on eligibility criteria helps ensure you make the most of Social Security benefits, whether for disability or retirement.
