If you are looking to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance, also known as SSDI, you will need to obtain a certain number of work credits. While this is not necessarily an issue for everyone looking to apply for disability benefits, it is nevertheless crucial to understand whether you have a sufficient number of credits to qualify for the program. But what exactly are work credits, and why exactly do you need them if you are applying for SSDI benefits?
What Are SSDI Work Credits?
Put simply, SSDI work credits are a measurement of the amount of money you have paid into the Social Security system by engaging in paid work and paying Social Security taxes. Each work credit represents income of $1,810 per fiscal quarter, or $5,240 per year. You do not need to earn this much income continuously, and can qualify for these benefits in a single payment.
Why Do You Need Them?
Having a sufficient number of work credits is an essential requirement to be able to obtain SSDI benefits. This goes along with other requirements, such as having a severe disability and falling below certain income requirements. The exact number of work credits you need will depend on a number of factors, including your age at the time you try to claim disability benefits, but typically anyone 31 years old or older will require 40 work credits, 20 of which must have been earned in the last ten years.
How Do You Earn Work Credits?
The way to earn work credits is by earning income and paying Social Security taxes, whether that means being an employee for a company or organization, or earning money as a self-employed worker. If you are an employee, the money for these taxes will be automatically withheld from your paycheck each month by your employer. If you are self-employed or an independent contractor, you will need to pay these taxes yourself.
What Happens if You Do Not Have Enough?
If you do not have a sufficient number of work credits, you will not be able to qualify for SSDI. However, you may be eligible for other disability benefits programs, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). That is why you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling disability benefits claims, who can help you to get the benefits you rightly deserve.
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.
