Have I Worked Long Enough To Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?

Unlike Supplemental Security Income benefits (SSI) you must have worked in the past in order build up enough credits to qualify for Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSDI).  The earnings rules can be very confusing.  If you are unsure whether you meet the earnings guidelines, or are confused, call us at 1-800-966-5649 and we will be happy to tell you whether or not you are likely to be considered eligible for benefits.  Keep in mind, the items below are guidelines, and may vary by a few months here or there.

If you became disabled earlier than 3 months before your 24th birthday, you have to show that you have a year and a half of work for the past three years leading up to your disability.

If you became disabled after age 24, but 3 months earlier than you turned 31, then you must have worked for at least half of the time between age 21 and the time that you became disabled.  For example, if you became disabled 2 months before your 29th birthday, then you would have to show that you worked (and paid into Social Security) for at least four years.

If you were disabled after the three months before your 31st birthday, then you must show that you worked (and paid into the Social Security program) for at least five years between the age of 21 and your disability.

Remember, it can be very confusing to determine whether you've worked long enough to be eligible for Social Security disability benefits.  You may always call our office, free of charge at 1-800-966-5649 for fast, easy answers to your Social Security questions.