What Are Work Credits?

Work credits are earned by working and paying into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. You earn a certain number of credits based on your earnings during each year you work. In 2025, you earn one work credit for every $1,640 you earn (up to four credits per year). To qualify for SSDI, you need to have earned a minimum number of credits, depending on your age at the time you become disabled.

• Typically, you need 40 work credits (about 10 years of work) to qualify for SSDI.
• Younger workers may need fewer credits. For example, if you become disabled before age 24, you may only need 6 credits (about 1.5 years of work) in the 3 years prior to becoming disabled.

If you don’t have enough work credits for SSDI, you won’t be eligible for those benefits. However, there are other paths and options to explore.

Options If You Don’t Have Enough Work Credits for SSDI

Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

If you don’t have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, you may still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a need-based program, meaning it provides financial assistance to individuals who are disabled, blind, or aged (65 or older), but also have limited income and resources. Unlike SSDI, SSI does not require work credits.

To qualify for SSI:

• You must be disabled, blind, or over 65.
• You must meet specific income and resource limits. This includes having limited savings and income, as the program is designed for individuals who have little to no financial resources.

SSI eligibility is determined by both your medical condition and your financial situation. If you have limited income and resources, SSI may be a viable option for you.

Family Member’s Work Credits

In some cases, if you don’t have enough work credits of your own, you may be able to qualify for SSDI benefits through a family member's work record. This is often referred to as deriving benefits.

• Spouse or ex-spouse: If you are married or were married to someone who qualifies for SSDI, you may be able to receive SSDI benefits based on their work history, especially if your spouse is disabled, retired, or deceased.
• Parents: If you are a dependent child under 18 (or 19 if you are a full-time student), or an adult disabled child, you may qualify for SSDI based on your parent's work record.
• Divorced spouses: You may still be eligible for SSDI benefits through your ex-spouse's record, provided you were married for at least 10 years and meet other specific conditions.

Apply for State Assistance Programs

In addition to SSI, some states offer their own disability programs or assistance for individuals who don’t qualify for SSDI due to lack of work credits. These state-run programs can provide short-term financial help or other resources for individuals with disabilities.

• State Disability Insurance: Some states, like California and New York, have their own disability insurance programs that provide benefits to eligible workers who cannot work due to illness or injury.
• State Health Benefits: Even without SSDI or SSI, some states offer Medicaid or other health benefits for low-income or disabled individuals.

Check with your state’s Department of Health and Human Services (or the equivalent) to see if you qualify for any state-based programs.

Consider Other Forms of Financial Assistance

If you’re not eligible for SSDI or SSI, there may be other financial assistance programs you can explore, including:

• Charities and Nonprofits: Some organizations offer financial assistance, housing support, or other resources to individuals with disabilities.
• Veterans Benefits: If you are a veteran and your disability is related to your military service, you may qualify for benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), even if you don’t have enough work credits for SSDI.
• Unemployment Benefits: If you’re temporarily unable to work due to a disability, some states offer unemployment benefits. However, most states require you to be able and available to work, which may limit your eligibility if you’re disabled.

Work with a Disability Advocate or Attorney

If you’re unsure about your eligibility for SSDI or SSI or need help navigating the application process, it can be helpful to work with a disability advocate or attorney. These professionals specialize in Social Security claims and can:

• Help determine if you qualify for SSDI, SSI, or other assistance programs.
• Assist with your initial application or represent you during an appeal if your claim is denied.
• Guide you through the process of gathering medical evidence and financial documentation to support your claim.

Look Into Alternative Disability Programs

Some private insurance companies offer long-term disability insurance that may provide benefits if you are unable to work due to illness or injury. If you have this type of insurance, you may want to explore your policy’s coverage options to see if you can receive benefits through it.

Additionally, employers may offer disability benefits as part of their employee benefits package. If you were employed and have access to these benefits, you should inquire about applying for short-term or long-term disability coverage.