Work Credits for SSDI

In order to qualify for SSDI, you need to have earned work credits. Work credits are based on the amount of income you earn and the amount of Social Security taxes you pay. You can earn up to four work credits per year.

• How Much Do You Need to Work?
  To qualify for SSDI, you need to have earned a certain number of work credits, which depends on your age when you become disabled.

Work Credit Requirements Based on Age

The number of work credits required to qualify for SSDI is based on your age at the time you become disabled. The older you are, the more work credits you generally need.

• If you are under 24 years old:
  You need 6 credits (about 1.5 years of work) in the 3 years before you became disabled.
• If you are between 24 and 31 years old:
  You need 12 credits (about 3 years of work) in the 6 years before you became disabled.
• If you are 31 or older:
  You need 20 credits (about 5 years of work) in the 10 years before you became disabled.

How Do You Earn Work Credits?

You earn work credits by working and paying Social Security taxes on your income. In 2025, you earn one credit for every $1,640 in wages or self-employment income. Once you reach $6,560 in earnings, you will have earned the maximum four credits for the year.

• Example:
  If you earn $1,640 in a year, you will earn 1 work credit. If you earn $6,560 in a year, you will have earned 4 work credits for that year.

What If You Don’t Have Enough Work Credits?

If you don’t have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, you may still be able to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on your financial need rather than your work history.

• SSI is available to individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. If you don’t meet the SSDI work requirements, SSI may be an alternative option for you.

Special Rules for Younger Workers

If you are younger and haven’t had the chance to work enough to qualify for SSDI, there are special rules that might apply. These rules are designed to give younger workers a better chance to qualify for benefits if they are disabled and don’t have a long work history.

• For example:
  A person who becomes disabled at age 22 might only need 6 credits in the 3 years prior to the disability, which is more attainable than for someone who is older.

What Happens If You Stop Working?

If you become disabled and are unable to work, you may still be eligible for SSDI benefits if you have accumulated enough work credits. Once you stop working, it’s important to note the following:

• Duration of Work Credits:
  Work credits are generally valid for a period of up to 5 years after you stop working. If you wait too long to apply for SSDI, you may lose the work credits needed to qualify.
• The “Recent Work” Requirement:
  In addition to earning a certain number of work credits, you must also meet the SSA’s recent work requirement. The SSA wants to ensure that you worked recently enough to qualify for benefits. If you’ve stopped working for a long time, your work credits may no longer count toward eligibility.