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Social Security Disability benefits provide income for workers who cannot return to work because of a disability. Before you can receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must submit evidence proving that you meet the requirements for being considered disabled. Additionally, you must have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI disability benefits. Our Texas disability attorney answers common questions about work credits for SSDI benefits.
What Are Work Credits?
When you work at a job covered by Social Security, you earn work credits by contributing funds to the Social Security system. Your contributions to the Social Security system are made by paying Social Security taxes. Work credits are based on the amount of income earned during the year. For example, you could earn enough income in one quarter of the year to earn all four credits, or it could take all year to earn four work credits. The amount of your income determines the number of work credits earned.
Work Credit Requirements
To qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, you must first meet the necessary work credit requirements. Work credits are earned based on your years of employment and age. Each year, you can earn up to four work credits. However, as you get older, more credits are required. For example, if you become disabled at age 50, you must have accumulated at least 28 credits, meaning you must have worked for at least seven years—five of which must have been within the last 10 years.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a formula to convert your earnings into work credits. The amount needed to earn a work credit changes annually. In 2025, for instance, you earn one credit for every $1,810 in wages or self-employment income per quarter. Once you have earned $7,240 in the year, you have reached the maximum of four work credits for that year.
In addition to work credits, the SSA applies two additional tests to determine eligibility:
Recent Work Test
Work credits must have been earned within a specific time frame relative to your age:
- Applicants 31 or older must have worked for at least five of the last ten years and earned a minimum of 20 credits.
- Applicants between 24 and 31 must have worked at least half the time since turning 21. For example, a 29-year-old applicant must have worked at least four of the past eight years, accumulating at least 16 credits.
- Applicants under 24 must have worked at least 1.5 years in the three-year period before becoming disabled, earning a minimum of eight credits.
Duration of Work Test
This test ensures that you have worked a sufficient number of years based on your age at the time of disability:
- Ages 21 to 24: At least 1.5 years of work and six work credits.
- Ages 62 and older: At least 10 years of work and 40 work credits.
These requirements ensure that applicants have a sufficient work history to qualify for benefits.
Do I Need Work Credits for SSI Benefits?
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is disability income for low-income individuals. Work credits are not applicable in SSI cases. Instead, a person only needs to establish that they are disabled and meet the qualifications regarding income and resources to be eligible to receive SSI benefits. Typically, the Social Security Administration verifies whether you have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits before proceeding with a disability application under SSI.
Talk To A Texas Disability Attorney About SSD Benefits Today
Qualifying for Social Security Disability can be frustrating and confusing. Having someone on your side who understands the process can help you avoid problems that could delay your disability benefits or result in a denial of SSDI benefits. Contact our office to schedule a consultation.