How does work history impact Social Security Disability?

There are a couple of different components to qualifying for Social Security Disability benefits that disabled applicants should be familiar with. Disabled individuals and their families members may rely on Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits to meet their daily need so they should know how to qualify for the benefits.

Work history requirements

In addition to medical eligibility requirements for Social Security Disability benefits, there are also work history requirements to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits. Applicants for SSD benefits must meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability which means that they suffer from a medical condition that is severe enough that it prevents them from working and is expected to last 12 months or longer or result in death. The applicant’s medical records are used as evidence of their disability. They must also demonstrate that they meet certain work history requirements to qualify for SSD benefits.

The disabled applicant must show that they worked long enough and recently enough, or within a certain period, in a job that paid into Social Security to be eligible to receive SSD benefits. The disabled applicant will need enough work history credits to qualify. The number of work history credits that are earned is based on the applicant’s annual wages or self-employment income. The number of work credits needed, depends on that applicant’s age when they become disabled. The amount of credits needed changes annually so those seeking benefits should know what those requirements are for the year they are applying. Younger workers may also qualify for SSD benefits with fewer benefits so younger applicants should be familiar with those rules as well.

The process of applying for SSD benefits can be complex and have several different components to it. Because they are often vital to the disabled applicant, it is essential that they are familiar with the process and how to navigate it to a successful outcome and the receipt of benefits.