Understanding Social Security Credits

Social Security credits are based on your work history and the amount of money you’ve earned. In general:

• How Credits Are Earned: For each year you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn credits. In 2025, you earn one credit for every $1,640 in earnings, and you can earn a maximum of four credits per year.
• How Many Credits Do You Need for SSDI?: To qualify for SSDI, you typically need to have earned at least 20 credits in the last 10 years, and you need to have worked for 5 of the last 10 years before becoming disabled. This is known as the “work requirement.” Younger workers may need fewer credits to qualify for SSDI.

What Happens If You Don’t Have Enough Credits?

If you don’t have enough credits to qualify for SSDI, you won’t be eligible for benefits under that program. But there are other options to explore:

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): If you don’t qualify for SSDI due to insufficient credits, you may still be eligible for SSI. SSI is a need-based program for people with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. This program does not require you to have work credits, so even if you haven’t worked enough to qualify for SSDI, you could still qualify for SSI if your income and resources meet the eligibility criteria.
• Spousal Benefits: If you are married, your spouse’s work history may help you qualify for SSDI benefits. You could be eligible for benefits based on your spouse’s earnings record, especially if your spouse has enough credits and is either disabled, retired, or deceased. In some cases, you might be able to receive spousal benefits even if you haven’t worked enough yourself.
• Divorced Spousal Benefits: If you are divorced, you might still be able to claim benefits based on your former spouse’s record, as long as the marriage lasted at least 10 years and you meet other eligibility requirements.

What to Do If You Don’t Have Enough Credits

If you don’t have enough credits for SSDI, here are your options:

• Consider Applying for SSI: As mentioned, SSI is available to those who have limited income and resources. If you are disabled and meet the financial need criteria, applying for SSI might be your best option. To apply, you’ll need to provide detailed information about your income, assets, and living situation.
• Work to Earn More Credits: If your disability is temporary or you’re still able to work part-time, you may be able to earn more Social Security credits. Consider returning to work and paying into Social Security to increase your chances of qualifying for SSDI in the future. This may not be an option if your disability is severe, but it’s something to consider if your condition improves over time.
• Consult a Disability Expert: If you’re unsure about your eligibility for SSDI or SSI, it’s a good idea to speak with a disability attorney or advocate. They can help assess your situation, explain your options, and guide you through the application process for both SSDI and SSI.

Can You Qualify for SSDI if You Haven’t Worked Enough Recently?

In some cases, it’s possible to qualify for SSDI benefits if you haven’t worked enough recently, depending on your age and work history:

• Younger Applicants: Younger workers may not need as many credits to qualify for SSDI. For example, someone who becomes disabled at age 24 may only need 6 credits to qualify. The number of credits required decreases as the applicant gets younger.
• Special Situations: If you’re a veteran or have a special work history, you may have other options for qualifying for SSDI, even if you don’t meet the usual requirements.

How to Apply for SSI If You Don’t Have Enough SSDI Credits

If you apply for SSDI and are denied due to insufficient work credits, you can apply for SSI. The application process for SSI is similar to SSDI, but instead of focusing on your work history, the SSA will assess your financial situation. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Income and Asset Information: Provide detailed records of your income, assets, and any other financial resources. The SSA has strict limits on how much income and assets you can have and still qualify for SSI.
• Medical Documentation: Just like SSDI, you will need to provide medical records proving that your disability is severe enough to prevent you from working.