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Getting Social Security Disability Benefits With a Limited Work History Is Possible
Living with a disability that keeps you from being able to work can be incredibly difficult physically, emotionally, and financially. While Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits can offer some relief, the eligibility and application process can be confusing, especially if you’ve spent time out of the workforce, worked on a part-time basis, or have special circumstances, such as self-employment income. The good news is that having a limited work history doesn’t automatically keep you from qualifying for Social Security Disability. An experienced disability benefits attorney can help you better understand your options and ensure your claim is as strong as possible.
Understanding Work Credits and Eligibility for Social Security Disability
Eligibility for Social Security Disability depends on whether you have a medical condition that meets the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability and whether you have enough work credits. If you are working, to be considered disabled by the SSA, you generally need to earn less than $1,620 monthly. Your condition must also be severe enough to limit your ability to perform basic work duties, such as walking or sitting, for at least 12 consecutive months.
The work credits part of the eligibility is where many people get confused. It’s a common misconception that you have to have worked full-time for your entire life to qualify for SSD. However, the SSA uses a system of work credits, and most people only need 40 lifetime credits, with half of those happening in the 10 years immediately before the disability began. Each $1,810 you earn equals 1 credit, and you can earn up to 4 credits per year.
Example 1: Someone who works part-time and has earned $8,000 per year for the last 10 years has 40 total credits, all of which are from the last 10 years.
Example 2: Someone worked full-time 20 years ago, earning $50,000 for 15 years. They worked part-time, earning $4,000 annually for the last 12 years. That’s a total of 84 credits, with 24 of those happening in the last 10 years, which means they also have enough work credits.
Navigating SSD Eligibility in Unique Situations
Determining how many credits you need to be eligible for Social Security Disability is fairly straightforward if you worked a traditional W-2 job. However, some special cases can require more guidance.
Self-Employed
Earning work credits is generally the same for self-employed people as for those who work jobs where they receive a W-2. Net earnings are used to determine work credits, and the person must have paid their self-employment taxes, which include paying into the Social Security system.
Under Age 31
Accumulating 40 work credits is more difficult if you have a short work history due to age, but the Social Security Administration accommodates this by having different rules for those under the age of 31. If you are under the age of 24 when your disability starts, you generally only need to have earned 6 credits in the last 3 years.
Those between the ages of 24 and 31 will have to do a bit more math to determine how many credits they need. You take the age at which your disability started and subtract 21. You will need to have accumulated double that number in work credits since you were 21. Suppose your disability started at age 29. That’s 8 years between the ages of 29 and 21. You would, therefore, need to have accumulated 16 credits in the last 8 years to be eligible for SSD.
Caregiver
If you have been a stay-at-home parent or other caregiver, you may not have a long enough employment history to qualify for Social Security Disability. If a spouse has died, you may be able to receive survivors benefits. Otherwise, an attorney can help you determine whether you qualify for any other alternative options, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
What Can You Do If You Have a Short Work History?
If you’re not sure if you have a long enough work history to qualify for Social Security Disability, an attorney can help you determine your work credits and whether you meet the eligibility requirements. Many people who believe they haven’t worked enough still qualify for SSD. If you do have a limited work history and you don’t have enough work credits, an attorney can help you determine if you have any other options. For example, you may qualify for benefits through either a spouse’s or parent’s work record if they have passed away or for SSI, which is based on income and resources instead of work history. Some state programs may also be available to help those with disabilities.
Why Working With an Experienced Social Security Disability Attorney Matters
The Social Security Administration reviews disability claims closely, and it’s critical to present the most substantial case possible to avoid a Social Security Disability denial. The SSD attorneys at The Law Office of Nancy L. Cavey have helped countless clients successfully navigate this process, and they know what evidence and documentation to put together to increase the chances of your claim being approved. They are also experienced at handling appeals if your initial claim has been denied.
If you are unable to work due to a disability and you want to know if you may qualify for Social Security Disability, start by calling our office at 727-477-3263 to schedule a free consultation. Our attorneys are here to answer your questions and provide you knowledgeable legal counsel and aggressive representation as you navigate this process.
