What is SSDI and How Does It Work?

SSDI is a federal program that provides monthly benefits to individuals who are unable to work due to a severe disability. Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on financial need, SSDI is primarily based on your work history and the amount you’ve contributed to Social Security through payroll taxes.

To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned a certain number of work credits during your working years. The number of credits you need depends on your age at the time of your disability, but in most cases, you will need to have worked for at least 5 out of the last 10 years to be eligible.

How Many Work Credits Do You Need for SSDI?

Work credits are earned through your work and are based on the amount of income you earn. As of 2025, you can earn one work credit for every $1,640 in income, up to a maximum of 4 credits per year.

The number of credits needed to qualify for SSDI depends on your age at the time you become disabled:

• If you are under 24, you generally need to have earned 6 work credits in the 3 years before your disability.
• If you are between the ages of 24 and 31, you may qualify with fewer credits (typically 12 to 18 credits) depending on how long you’ve been working.
• If you are 31 or older, you typically need 20 credits earned over the past 10 years, but the exact amount can vary depending on your age.

If you’ve only worked for a short period and haven’t earned enough work credits, you might not qualify for SSDI. However, there are exceptions, and it’s possible to qualify with fewer credits in some circumstances.

Can You Qualify for SSDI If You’ve Worked for a Short Period?

Yes, it’s possible to qualify for SSDI benefits even if you’ve worked for a short period. Here are a few scenarios in which you might qualify despite having a limited work history:

• Young Workers: If you are younger (under 31 years old) and have worked for a short time, you may still be able to qualify for SSDI benefits, as the SSA requires fewer work credits for younger workers. For example, if you’re 25, you may only need 6 credits in the past 3 years to qualify.
• Recent Work History: If your work history is relatively recent and you’ve earned enough credits within the past few years, you may meet the SSDI requirements. The SSA generally looks at your work history over the last 10 years, so even a short period of recent work can help.
• Severe Disability: If you have a severe disability and have a limited work history, you might still qualify. The SSA evaluates each case individually, taking into account your condition, work history, and ability to perform substantial work.
• Special Work Requirements for Younger Applicants: The SSA has more lenient requirements for individuals under 31. If you’ve worked for only a short period but are under 31, you may qualify based on the number of credits you’ve earned during the past few years.

How to Improve Your Chances of Qualifying for SSDI with a Short Work History

If you have a short work history but believe you qualify for SSDI, here are a few steps to help improve your chances:

• Provide Strong Medical Evidence: The most important part of your SSDI application is your medical evidence. Ensure you provide complete medical records, including test results, doctor’s notes, and any other documentation that shows how your disability prevents you from working.
• Document Your Work History: Even if you’ve only worked a short time, make sure to accurately document your work history, including the dates, your job duties, and your earnings. This helps the SSA evaluate whether you’ve earned enough work credits.
• Seek Help from a Professional: Navigating the SSDI application process can be complex, especially with a limited work history. Consulting with an SSDI attorney or advocate can help you understand your eligibility and assist you in gathering the necessary evidence to support your claim.