Many disabled individuals are in need of Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. Because of that, it is helpful for those applying for disability to be familiar with the requirements they will need to meet to qualify for SSD benefits.
Work history requirements
Applicants for disability may be aware of the medical condition requirement to qualify for SSD benefits. Everyone might not be aware that there is also a work history requirement applicants for SSD benefits must also meet to qualify to receive SSD benefits. The medical condition requirement includes that the applicant suffers from a disabling medical condition that is severe enough that it prevents them from working and is expected to last 12 months or longer or result in death.
The work history requirement is of equal importance to meet to qualify for SSD benefits. To begin with, the applicant will need to have worked in a job covered by Social Security. Meeting the work history requirement is based on work history credits. Work credits are based on total annual wages or self-employment income. Up to four work history credits can be earned each year.
The amount of work history credits needed to qualify for SSD benefits changes yearly. Applicants for disability benefits should know what the current requirement is the year they apply for benefits. In addition, the disabled applicant must have worked recently enough and long enough. The number of credits needed also depends on the age of the applicant when they became disabled, however, younger workers may be able to qualify for disability benefits with fewer credits.
Applying for SSD benefits can be challenging. To get a leg up on the process, it is helpful for applicants to know what they need to qualify for benefits, including their work history.