To qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD), workers need to have earned what are called “work credits.” These are proof that you have worked a sufficient amount and paid a sufficient amount into the Social Security system to receive disability benefits under the law. Work credits are awarded at a maximum of four per year.
Each year, the amount of money a worker must earn within a year to gain Social Security credits goes up. In 2011, the amount required to earn one Social Security credit was $1,120, so to earn four in that year, it was a total of $4,480. In 2012, it went up to $1,130 and to earn four, it was $4,520. All that being said, the worker must have completed what’s called “covered employment,” which means Social Security taxes were required to be paid for the employment.
Ultimately, if a worker has not earned the right amount of work credits, he or she will not be able to claim SSD benefits. Tragically, this happens to many U.S. workers who are in desperate need of this financial support. The amount of work credits required to qualify for Social Security depends largely on the age of the claimant and the benefit that the claimant is specifically seeking.
If you have questions about whether you have enough credits to qualify for SSD benefits, you might want to discuss your case with an experienced attorney. Our law firm is available to assess your potential claim and advise you of your legal rights and options in this regard.
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