Step 1: Understand Work Credits Needed

SSDI eligibility hinges on:

• Work credits earned through Social Security-covered employment.
• Adults typically require about 40 credits total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years.
• Credits vary based on age at disability onset, younger applicants need fewer credits.

Step 2: Age-Based Credit Requirements

Your qualifying period changes depending on your age:

• Under age 24: Need 6 credits earned in the 3 years prior to disability.
• Ages 24-31: Credits required increase progressively based on your exact age.
• Over age 31: Most need about 20 credits in the last 10 years.

Step 3: Earning Work Credits

Credits are based on your earnings:

• Each credit requires a certain amount of earnings reported to SSA annually.
• Up to 4 credits can be earned each year.
• You accumulate credits over your working years before becoming disabled.

Step 4: Meet SSA’s Definition of Disability

Alongside work history, you must:

• Have a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal.
• Your disability must prevent substantial gainful activity.

Step 5: Importance of Application Timing

Applying promptly is vital because:

• Benefits often begin after a 5-month waiting period from disability start.
• Delayed filing could reduce your back pay and coverage.

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Common Challenges

Qualification may be denied due to:

• Insufficient work credits from not working consistently.
• Missing documentation of earnings or work history.
• Failure to meet SSA’s strict disability definition.