If you have experienced an injury or been diagnosed with a medical condition that has left you disabled and unable to work, you will likely want and need to evaluate the various forms of financial assistance that may be available to you so that you can properly take care of and support yourself. One component of the Social Security program is Social Security Disability or Social Security Disability Insurance, a set of benefits to help people in this type of situation.
As explained by the Social Security Administration, there are two main elements involved in qualifying to receive SSD benefits: a condition that meets the SSA’s definition of being disabled and a sufficient work history.
To be identified as disabled in the eyes of the SSA, you must be unable to perform your previous job and any new type of work. Your disability must be long-term or terminal in nature, lasting or expected to last a minimum of 12 months. Your work history must be such that you have earned 40 credits with 20 in the most recent decade. Some exceptions to this may apply for people who are younger and have not been working for as long. A person is able to earn a maximum of four credits each year meaning it would take a minimum of 10 years to amass 40 credits.
If you would like to learn more about what it takes to qualify to receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and how you can receive the assistance you deserve in a time of need, please feel free to visit the SSDI qualifications page of our disability website.
