Encountering a circumstance in life that renders one incapable of maintaining gainful employment can be a stressful and daunting process. While there may be programs to help those in need, such as Social Security Disability Insurance, knowing how to tell if a person in New Jersey might be eligible for aid via similar outlets can be a complex endeavor. One possible topic regarding SSDI benefits and eligibility could involve work credits and understanding the role this might play in the process could prove vital.
Work credits
Experts indicate that work credits are earned on a yearly basis, up to four credits each year. Credits may be based on one’s yearly income and the number of credits required to be eligible for SSDI may depend on one’s age at the time of filing a claim. According to experts, one may only need to earn an income of just over $5,600 each year to obtain the full four credits.
While the amount of work credits required for eligibility may vary, experts also indicate that at least half of the required credits must be earned within the past decade. It could also be helpful to note that those who are self-employed can also earn work credits, provided they take the necessary steps to file taxes accordingly. Those preparing to seek aid through SSDI may find that obtaining work history documents could prove an integral part of preparing for the subsequent process.
Seeking benefits
Work credits may only be one vital topic to address when preparing to pursue SSDI benefits. Those in search of advice on what to expect from and how to prepare for the process could find it helpful to retain the services of an attorney in the initial stages. An attorney can help a client in New Jersey cover every vital aspect of preparing to file an initial claim for benefits or appealing a claim denial and assist him or her through every stage of the process.
