Social Security Disability (SSDI) is a federal program that pays benefits to you and to certain members of your family. To qualify for Social Security Disability you need to provide the the SSA with a documented impairment that prevents you from workings (called vocational limitations). In addition to your medically documented impairment, you will need to have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes.
The Federal law is strict when defining "disability." According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, "Social Security pays benefits to people who cannot work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death." There are two tests that help guide Social Security, the recent work test and duration of work test. These tests act as general guidelines for the Social Security representatives.
How do I meet the earnings requirement for disability benefits?
As a general guideline to qualify for Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits you must meet two different earnings tests:- Recent Work - This test is based on your age at the time you became disabled.
- Duration of Work - This test shows that you worked long enough under Social Security.
Note: Certain blind workers must only meet the "duration of work" test.
The information below (from Social Security Online) show the rules for how much work you need for the “recent work” test and "duration of work" test. The rules in the first table are based on the calendar quarter in which you turned or will turn a certain age.
Definition of Calendar Quarter:
First Quarter: January 1 - March 31
Second Quarter: April 1 - June 30
Third Quarter: July 1 - September 30
Fourth Quarter: October 1 - December 31
SSD Recent Work Test
- Younger than age 24 (worked 1.5 of the last 3 years prior to your disability beginning)
- Age 24 - 31 (Your Age minus 21, divided by two) For example if you became disabled at age 28, then you would have needed to work 3.5 years from the time you turned 21 (28-21 / 2 = 3.5)
- Age 31 and older (worked 5 of the last 5 years prior to your disability beginning)
The following table shows examples of how much work you need to meet the “duration of work test” if you become disabled at various selected ages. For the “duration of work” test, your work does not have to fall within a certain period of time.
NOTE: This information does not cover all situations.
Age of Disability – Years of Work Generally Needed
Before age 28 ~ 1.5 years of work
Age 30 ~ 2 years
Age 34 ~ 3 years
Age 38 ~ 4 years
Age 42 ~ 5 years
Age 44 ~ 5.5 years
Age 46 ~ 6 years
Age 48 ~ 6.5 years
Age 50 ~ 7 years
Age 52 ~ 7.5 years
Age 54 ~ 8 years
Age 56 ~ 8.5 years
Age 58 ~ 9 years
Age 60 ~ 9.5 years
Lawyers and Social Security Disability (SSDI) Benefits
It is recommended that you apply for SSDI benefits as soon as you become disabled. The application process can be lengthy, lasting three to five months for processing. When applying for SSDI, the Social Security Administration will need you to complete an application for Social Security Benefits and the Disability Report. If you are having a difficult time getting this information together a SSDI Benefits Lawyer can help you assemble the required paperwork and apply for SSDI Benefits.
Learn more about Social Security Disability Lawyers
