What Does It Take to Be Insured?

First of all, you must have worked in paid intersocial security for a sufficient amount of time. You have to earn what is called Sufficient Work Credits. You earn a maximum of four credits every year. The credits needed is determined by your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits total with 20 credits earned within the last 10 years in order to be qualified or be insured. However, even if you are younger, you can still be eligible by requiring fewer credits. Based on the number of work credits, you will be eligible to be insured for disability benefits to a certain date.

Earning Sufficient Work Credits

Any legal, taxable work done by you since 1978 has produced work credits. You can earn up to 4 per year, by earning your wages. These credits then determine your eligibility. In 2020, you can earn 1 credit for every $1,410 you earn, for a maximum of four credits.  Earning further does not provide you with more sufficient work credits. Certain jobs or personal situations can further alter these rules. For instance, those who are self-employed can still earn credits, even if their net earnings are below the credit threshold. For more information on these exceptions, read this publication from the Social Security Administration.

At D’Agostino & Associates, our competent disability lawyers can help you sort through all the details, understand what you are entitled to, and fight to get what you deserve. Contact us, or call 1-888-245-2924.