SSDI Work Credits: How Many Do You Need?

One of the most common reasons Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims are denied has nothing to do with the severity of an applicant's medical condition. Instead, many Minnesotans are denied because they simply have not accumulated enough work credits to qualify. Understanding how the work credit system functions is essential before you file — or before you decide whether SSDI is even the right program for your situation.

What Are SSDI Work Credits?

Work credits are the Social Security Administration's (SSA) method of measuring your work history. Every time you work and pay Social Security payroll taxes (FICA), you accumulate credits. These credits are the foundation of your eligibility for SSDI benefits. Without enough of them, the SSA will not evaluate your medical condition at all — your application will be denied at the very first step on technical grounds.

The SSA allows workers to earn up to four credits per calendar year. The dollar amount required to earn each credit adjusts annually for inflation. In 2025, you earn one work credit for every $1,810 in covered earnings, meaning you need $7,240 in earned income to collect the maximum four credits for the year. In 2026, that threshold increased slightly, consistent with the SSA's annual cost-of-living adjustments.

It is important to understand that credits are based on earnings, not hours worked. Whether you work full-time or part-time, the SSA counts your total wages or self-employment income for the year against the credit threshold.

The General Rule: 40 Credits, 20 Recent

For most adults who become disabled, the standard requirement is 40 lifetime work credits, with at least 20 of those earned in the 10 years immediately before you became disabled. This is sometimes called the "20/40 rule."

In practical terms, this means most applicants need a work history that looks something like this:

• You have worked and paid Social Security taxes for at least 10 years total
• You were actively working — or recently working — in the 5 to 10 years before your disability began
• You did not have long gaps in employment that eliminated your "recent work" credits

This requirement trips up many Minnesotans who took extended time away from the workforce — for caregiving, illness, or other reasons — and then became disabled years later. Even if you once had 40 lifetime credits, they may no longer be "insured" if you have not worked recently enough.

Age-Based Exceptions: Younger Workers Need Fewer Credits

The SSA recognizes that younger workers have not had the opportunity to build a lengthy work history. As a result, the credit requirements decrease significantly for applicants who become disabled at a younger age. The following general thresholds apply:

• Before age 24: You may qualify with as few as 6 credits earned in the 3 years before your disability began
• Ages 24–31: You need credits for half the time between age 21 and the date you became disabled
• Age 31 and older: The 20/40 rule generally applies, though the exact number of required recent credits varies by age
• Age 62 and older: The required credits increase slightly, up to a maximum of 40

A 27-year-old Minnesota resident who develops a serious condition such as multiple sclerosis or severe depression may need far fewer credits than a 52-year-old applying for the same condition. Age at onset of disability is a legally significant factor in SSDI eligibility.

How Minnesota Residents Can Check Their Work Credits

Before filing an SSDI application, every Minnesota applicant should verify their earnings record and work credit total. Errors in Social Security earnings records are more common than most people realize, and an incorrect record could result in an unnecessary denial.

You can check your credits by:

• Creating a my Social Security account at ssa.gov, where your full earnings history and estimated benefits are available
• Requesting a Social Security Statement by mail from your local SSA office — Minnesota has field offices in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, and other locations
• Contacting the SSA directly at 1-800-772-1213 to speak with a representative

If you identify discrepancies in your earnings record — for instance, wages from a past employer that were not properly reported — you should correct those records before filing your disability claim. Gathering old W-2 forms and pay stubs will help you document the correct figures.

What If You Do Not Have Enough Work Credits?

Failing to meet the work credit threshold does not necessarily mean you are without options. Minnesota residents who do not qualify for SSDI may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs-based federal program that does not require any work history. SSI eligibility is determined by financial need — income and asset limits — rather than employment history.

Additionally, Minnesota administers state-level assistance programs through the Department of Human Services, including Medical Assistance (Medicaid) for low-income individuals with disabilities. These programs can provide health coverage and support while you pursue federal disability benefits or work toward meeting the SSI financial qualifications.

For applicants who are close to meeting the work credit threshold, it may be worth exploring whether any unreported earnings can be documented and added to the SSA's records. Self-employment income, seasonal work, or income from multiple part-time positions is sometimes underreported and can be corrected with the right documentation.

Finally, if you are currently working and approaching disability, understanding how close you are to meeting the credit threshold may influence whether you continue working part-time while managing your condition — at least until you have secured your insured status.

SSDI is a federal program, so the work credit rules are uniform across all 50 states. However, the intersection of state-specific programs in Minnesota and the timing of your application can meaningfully affect your overall outcome. An attorney who is familiar with both federal SSDI law and Minnesota's supplemental programs can help you identify every avenue available to you.

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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