As anyone who has read our blog or applied for Social Security disability benefits knows, the rules governing disability benefits are complex and confusing. The process of applying for these benefits is no less confusing, typically raising a number of questions that may not be easily answered without help from a skilled attorney.
In today's post, we'd like to take a look at a question that generally arises when applying for disability benefits. The question is this: How do SSDI work credits work? To answer this question, we'll start by looking at what a work credit is and how it is calculated by the Social Security Administration.
Work credits are essential to determining whether an applicant has the minimum amount of work necessary to qualify for SSDI benefits. Work credits are earned every year you work with a maximum of four earned each year. There is a specific amount of earned income needed, however, to earn a credit. This does change from year to year though. Currently, to earn one credit, an individual needs to earn $1,220. When the individual reaches $4,880, they will have earned four credits for the year.
As some of our readers here in Essex County know, an individual needs to have a certain number of work credits in order to be eligible for disability benefits. This amount changes depending on your age but typically, 40 credits are required, 20 of which need to have been earned within 10 years of becoming disabled.
If you think this is confusing, you wouldn't be the first. A lot of people find this part of the application process confusing. Some even seek help from an attorney. We hope though that today's post at least shed some light on the process and clarified things that may have been holding some back from seeking the benefits they need and deserve.
Sources: The Social Security Administration, "Benefits Planner: Social Security Credits," Accessed Sept. 22, 2015
The Social Security Administration, "Disability Planner: How Much Work Do You Need?" Accessed Sept. 22, 2015
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