How Many Work Credits Do You Need for SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides crucial financial support to workers who can no longer perform substantial gainful activity due to a disabling medical condition. Unlike Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is needs-based, SSDI eligibility depends on your work history and the number of work credits you have accumulated through paying Social Security taxes. Understanding the work credit requirement is essential for Ohio residents considering an SSDI application.

Understanding Social Security Work Credits

Work credits represent the foundation of your eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. You earn these credits by working in jobs where you pay Social Security taxes through FICA withholdings. The Social Security Administration tracks these credits throughout your working career.

As of 2024, you earn one work credit for every $1,730 in covered earnings, and you can earn a maximum of four credits per year. This dollar amount adjusts annually for inflation. For example, if you earned $6,920 or more in covered employment during 2024, you would receive the maximum four credits for that year, regardless of whether you earned that amount in one month or spread throughout the year.

The credits remain on your record permanently, even if you stop working or change jobs. This means credits earned decades ago still count toward your SSDI eligibility today.

How Many Credits You Need for SSDI Eligibility

The number of work credits required for SSDI eligibility depends primarily on your age when you became disabled. The Social Security Administration uses two tests to determine if you have sufficient work credits: the "recent work test" and the "duration of work test."

For workers age 31 or older: You generally need 40 work credits, with 20 of those credits earned in the 10 years immediately before you became disabled. This is often referred to as the "5 out of 10 rule" because it requires approximately five years of work during the previous decade.

For younger workers: The requirements are less stringent, recognizing that individuals who become disabled at a younger age have had less opportunity to accumulate work credits. The specific requirements are:

• Before age 24: You need six credits earned in the three years before your disability began
• Ages 24 to 30: You need credits for half the time between age 21 and when your disability started
• Age 31 and older: You need the 40 credits mentioned above

Ohio residents must meet these same federal work credit requirements, as SSDI is a federal program administered uniformly across all states. However, understanding these requirements early can help you determine whether pursuing an SSDI claim makes sense for your situation or whether you should explore other disability benefits like SSI.

Special Situations and Exceptions

Certain circumstances can affect how work credits are calculated or whether special rules apply to your case. Blind individuals face slightly different requirements and may qualify for SSDI with fewer recent work credits, though they still need the total number based on their age.

If you become disabled before age 31, you might qualify with as few as six work credits. For example, a 23-year-old worker who becomes disabled would only need six credits earned in the three years before the disability began. This recognizes that younger workers have had limited time to build substantial work history.

Family members may also receive benefits based on your work record. When you qualify for SSDI, certain family members—including children under 18, disabled adult children whose disability began before age 22, and in some cases, spouses—may receive auxiliary benefits. These family benefits do not require additional work credits beyond those you have already earned.

Military service members should know that special wage credits may apply for service before 1957 and from 1957 through 2001, potentially adding to their total work credits.

Checking Your Work Credits and Earnings Record

Ohio residents can easily check their accumulated work credits by creating a "my Social Security" account on the Social Security Administration's website. This free online account provides access to your Social Security Statement, which shows your complete earnings history and the number of credits you have earned.

Reviewing your earnings record is crucial because errors do occur. If you notice missing earnings or incorrect information, you should contact the Social Security Administration immediately to correct your record. Having accurate earnings records is essential when applying for SSDI benefits, as the Social Security Administration uses this information to determine both eligibility and benefit amounts.

Your Social Security Statement also provides estimates of your potential disability benefits, retirement benefits, and survivor benefits. This information helps you understand what financial support you might receive if you become disabled and need to apply for SSDI.

What Happens If You Don't Have Enough Work Credits

If you do not have sufficient work credits for SSDI, you may still qualify for disability benefits through the Supplemental Security Income program. SSI is a needs-based program that does not require work credits but does have strict income and resource limitations.

For Ohio residents, SSI benefits can be particularly important because they typically come with automatic eligibility for Medicaid health coverage. While SSI monthly payments are generally lower than SSDI benefits, they provide crucial support for disabled individuals who lack sufficient work history.

Some individuals may qualify for both SSDI and SSI simultaneously, receiving what are called "concurrent benefits." This typically occurs when someone qualifies for SSDI but their benefit amount is very low, allowing SSI to supplement their income up to the program's maximum.

If you are close to having enough work credits, you might consider whether you can continue working in some capacity until you accumulate the necessary credits. However, this decision requires careful consideration of your medical condition and should be discussed with both your physician and a disability attorney who understands the complex eligibility rules.

Another option for those lacking sufficient individual work credits is to explore whether you might qualify for disabled widow's or widower's benefits based on a deceased spouse's work record, or disabled adult child benefits if you became disabled before age 22 and have a parent who receives Social Security benefits.

Need Help? If you have questions about your case, call or text 833-657-4812 for a free consultation with an experienced attorney.

Related Articles

• SSDI Trial Work Period in Ohio: What You Need to Know
• SSDI Hearing Preparation Guide for Montana
• SSDI Benefits for Herniated Disc in Wisconsin