In order to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need to have a certain number of “work credits.” By earning these credits, you can obtain disability benefits in the event that you become unable to work due to a serious medical condition. But how do you know if you have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, and what can you do if you don’t?
What Are Work Credits?
Work credits are a measurement of how much work you have done, either while working for an employer or while self-employed. These credits are a part of the economic requirements to qualify for SSDI benefits, in addition to income restrictions and other qualifications. If you do not have enough credits, your application for SSDI benefits will be denied.
How Can You Earn Work Credits?
Every person who works a job and pays Social Security taxes obtains these credits, with a maximum of four credits per year. As of 2026, you can earn one credit for every $1,890 in wages or self-employment income, or up to four credits for $7,560 in income per year. Any income over that maximum limit will not earn you any additional credits.
How Many Work Credits Do You Need?
How many work credits you need depends on how old you are:
- For people under the age of 24, they need six work credits in the three years prior to applying for SSDI.
- For people between 24 and 31, they need a number of credits equal to half the time between when they turned 21 and when they claimed disability.
- For people over 31, they need 40 total work credits, with 20 having been earned in the previous 10 years.
What Happens if You Do Not Have Enough?
If you do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI based on your current age, you may still have options available to you. For example, you may still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), another form of disability benefits. However, you should consult a lawyer with experience handling disability benefit applications to understand all of your options.
If you or a loved one need assistance applying for SSDI or SSI benefits, it is important that you seek the guidance of an experienced Social Security Disability benefits lawyer. The lawyers at Sullivan & Kehoe, LLP have over 50 years of combined experience between its attorneys and are available to you or your loved one in obtaining Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits. To schedule a consultation with our New York Social Security Disability benefits lawyers, call (631) 823-7155.
