You cannot do work you did previously or adjust to other work because of your medical condition.

You cannot do work and engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of your medical condition.

We consider you to have a qualifying disability under our rules if all the following are true: No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short-term disability. The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs.

If you qualify now but you stop working under Social Security, you may not continue to meet the disability work requirement in the future. Remember that whatever your age, you must have earned the required number of work credits within a certain period ending with the time your disability begins. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.įor more information on whether you qualify, refer to How You Earn Credits. Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year your disability begins. The number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when your disability begins.

When you've earned $6,560 you've earned your 4 credits for the year.

In 2023, for example, you earn 1 credit for each $1,640 in wages or self-employment income. The amount needed for a work credit changes from year to year. Social Security work credits are based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income. In addition to meeting our definition of disability, you must have worked long enough - and recently enough - under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits. If you are receiving SSDI benefits when you reach full retirement age, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits, but the amount remains the same. There are also several special rules, called work incentives, that provide continued benefits and health care coverage to help you make the transition back to work. We may pay Social Security disability benefits for as many as 12 months before you apply if we find you had a disability during that time and you meet all other requirements.īenefits usually continue until you can work again on a regular basis.

Generally, there is a 5-month waiting period and we’ll pay your first benefit the sixth full month after the date we find your disability began. In general, we pay monthly benefits to people who are unable to work for a year or more because of a disability.

Have a medical condition that meets Social Security's strict definition of disability.

Have worked in jobs covered by Social Security.

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must:

Benefits for Children with Disabilities.

Benefits for Surviving Spouses with Disabilities.

Special Rules for People Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision.

How We Decide If You Have a Qualifying Disability.

Civics today nc textbook chapter 22