What Are Work Credits?

To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned a certain number of work credits based on your work history. Work credits are earned by working and paying Social Security taxes (FICA taxes). In 2025, you earn one credit for every $1,640 you earn in wages, up to a maximum of four credits per year. The number of work credits required for SSDI depends on your age and when you became disabled.

• Younger workers may need fewer work credits to qualify for SSDI.
• Older workers typically need more credits, as they’ve had more years to accumulate them.

For example:

• If you are under the age of 24, you may need as little as 6 work credits (about 1.5 years of work).
• If you are between the ages of 24 and 30, you may need around 12 work credits.
• If you are over 30, you typically need 20 to 40 work credits (5 to 10 years of work).

Can You Get SSDI Without Enough Work Credits?

If you don’t have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, you generally will not be able to receive benefits through this program. However, there are other options you may want to consider:

Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

If you don’t have enough work credits for SSDI, you may still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a needs-based program that provides financial assistance to disabled individuals who have limited income and few resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require work credits, so it may be an option if you have limited work history or have not worked enough to earn sufficient credits.

To qualify for SSI:

• You must meet the SSA’s definition of disability.
• You must have limited income and resources (i.e., limited savings, assets, and income).
• You must be aged, blind, or disabled.

The SSA will assess your income, resources, and disability to determine if you qualify for SSI.

Consider a Disability Appeal or Exception

If you don’t have enough work credits for SSDI but believe your disability qualifies, it may still be worth consulting with an attorney or advocate. There are a few scenarios where individuals might be eligible for SSDI even with limited work credits, such as:

• Childhood disability: If you were diagnosed with a disability before the age of 22, you may qualify for benefits as a child of a disabled worker.
• Disabled Widow/Widower Benefits: If your spouse passed away and was a Social Security contributor, you may be able to qualify for SSDI based on their work record, even if you don’t have enough credits.
• Special conditions: There are also some rare exceptions where people may be able to qualify for benefits without the required credits under specific situations, such as a worker’s disability that’s due to a workplace injury.

Explore Other Disability Assistance Programs

Even if you don’t qualify for SSDI or SSI, there may be other forms of assistance available to you. Local state-based disability programs or charity organizations may provide financial or medical support. Additionally, Medicaid or Medicare might be available to individuals with severe disabilities, even if they do not qualify for Social Security Disability.