How Many Work Credits Do You Need for SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides crucial financial support to Wisconsin workers who can no longer maintain employment due to qualifying disabilities. However, not everyone qualifies for these benefits automatically. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires applicants to have earned a sufficient number of "work credits" through years of employment and payroll tax contributions. Understanding how work credits function and how many you need represents a critical first step in determining your eligibility for SSDI benefits.

Understanding Social Security Work Credits

Work credits serve as the foundation of SSDI eligibility. You earn these credits by working in jobs covered by Social Security and paying Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes from your earnings. In 2024, you earn one work credit for every $1,730 in covered earnings, and you can earn a maximum of four credits per year regardless of how much you earn.

The dollar amount required to earn a single credit adjusts annually for inflation. For example, in 2023, the threshold was $1,640 per credit. This means that if you earned $6,920 or more in covered employment during 2024, you accumulated the maximum four credits for that year. It does not matter whether you earned this amount in one month or spread throughout twelve months—once you reach the earnings threshold for four credits, you have maximized your credit accumulation for that calendar year.

Wisconsin workers earn credits the same way as workers in all other states. The system operates uniformly across the country, though your total earnings and work history will be unique to your employment record.

Total Credits Required for SSDI Eligibility

The number of work credits you need to qualify for SSDI depends primarily on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits, with 20 of those credits earned in the 10 years immediately before your disability began. This is often referred to as the "recent work test."

Since you can earn a maximum of four credits per year, 40 credits represents approximately 10 years of work. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits because they have had less time to accumulate work history. The SSA recognizes this reality and adjusts requirements accordingly.

Age-based credit requirements include:

• Before age 24: You may qualify with six credits earned in the three-year period ending when your disability begins
• Age 24 to 31: You generally need credits for working half the time between age 21 and the time you became disabled, with a minimum of 12 credits
• Age 31 or older: You typically need the 40 credits mentioned above, with 20 earned in the last 10 years

These requirements ensure that SSDI remains available to workers who have recently and consistently contributed to the Social Security system. For Wisconsin residents, this means maintaining steady employment and Social Security tax contributions throughout your working life provides the strongest foundation for SSDI eligibility should disability strike.

The Recent Work Test and Duration of Work Test

SSDI eligibility actually involves two separate tests related to work credits: the recent work test and the duration of work test. Both must be satisfied for approval.

The recent work test examines whether you have worked recently enough for Social Security purposes. As mentioned, this typically means earning 20 credits during the 10-year period immediately before you became disabled. This requirement ensures that SSDI benefits go to workers with recent attachment to the workforce rather than those who worked many years ago but have not contributed recently.

The duration of work test looks at how long you worked total. This test varies by age and confirms you have worked long enough under Social Security. For most Wisconsin workers who become disabled at age 31 or older, this means having accumulated at least 40 total work credits throughout your career.

Missing either test results in SSDI ineligibility, even if you meet the medical disability requirements. However, you might still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which does not require work credits but has strict income and asset limitations.

Special Circumstances and Exceptions

Certain circumstances can affect work credit requirements or how the SSA evaluates your work history. For blind individuals, the recent work test does not apply—only the duration of work test matters. This recognizes the unique challenges faced by workers who lose their vision.

Family members may also receive benefits based on your work record. A disabled widow or widower may qualify for benefits as early as age 50 if their deceased spouse earned sufficient work credits. Similarly, disabled adult children may receive benefits based on a parent's work record if the disability began before age 22.

Active-duty military service members receive special wage credits for periods of service between 1957 and 2001, which can help satisfy work credit requirements. Wisconsin veterans should ensure these military credits are properly reflected in their Social Security earnings record when applying for SSDI.

Self-employed individuals in Wisconsin earn work credits the same way as traditional employees, provided they pay self-employment taxes on their net earnings. This is particularly important for farmers, independent contractors, and small business owners throughout the state.

Checking Your Work Credits and Taking Action

You can verify your work credit total by creating a my Social Security account on the SSA website or by requesting a Social Security Statement. This statement shows your earnings history and estimates your accumulated credits. Wisconsin residents should review this information periodically to ensure accuracy, as errors can affect benefit eligibility.

If you discover you lack sufficient work credits for SSDI eligibility, you may have options. Continuing to work while you are still able can help you accumulate the necessary credits. Even part-time work that generates $6,920 or more annually adds four credits to your record. However, if your disability prevents all substantial gainful activity, you may need to explore SSI benefits instead, which provide assistance based on financial need rather than work history.

When applying for SSDI in Wisconsin, gathering documentation about your work history proves essential. This includes W-2 forms, tax returns, and pay stubs that verify your earnings and support your work credit total. The SSA will review your entire earnings record, but having documentation readily available can expedite the application process.

Understanding work credit requirements helps you realistically assess your SSDI eligibility before investing time in a complex application. For many Wisconsin workers facing disability, meeting the work credit threshold represents the easier hurdle—proving that your medical condition meets the SSA's strict definition of disability typically presents the greater challenge. An experienced disability attorney can evaluate both your work credit status and the strength of your medical evidence to determine your likelihood of approval.

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

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