apply for Social Security Disability
One of the main requirements that you must diligently follow in order for you to qualify for disability benefits is that you must have worked long enough. Since you’ve worked long enough, it is obvious that you’ve also made tax contributions to the Social Security system, which is through FICA taxes that have been deducted from your monthly paychecks.
If you wish to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), it is worth noting that the Social Security Administration, upon their review of your claim, will take a look at your employment history. What they will do is they will convert your earnings into work credits. The calculation of the dollar amount equals one work credit is done per annum. In 2011, one credit is equal to a total earning of $1,120.
If you are older and have worked long enough, you will most likely have more work credits. In order for you to receive benefits, two tests involving work credits must be passed. The first one is the “recent work test”. For example, if you are 31 or older, you must have worked at least five of the last 10 years in order to pass the test.
The second is the “duration of work test”. For example, if you are aged 21 to 24, you need six work credits, or equivalent of 1.5 years of work to qualify for SSDI benefits. If you are aged 31 to 42, you need six to 18 work credits or 1.5 to 4.5 years of work in order to be eligible.
If you failed any of the two tests, you’re not anymore qualified for SSDI benefits. However, this does not mean you are not entitled to receive disability benefits. You can receive them by applying under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. It is a different disability program, and unlike the SSDI, there is no requirement in terms of work credits. You just have to prove that you have limited income and resources to be eligible for SSI benefits.
If you wish to apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), it is worth noting that the Social Security Administration, upon their review of your claim, will take a look at your employment history. What they will do is they will convert your earnings into work credits. The calculation of the dollar amount equals one work credit is done per annum. In 2011, one credit is equal to a total earning of $1,120.
If you are older and have worked long enough, you will most likely have more work credits. In order for you to receive benefits, two tests involving work credits must be passed. The first one is the “recent work test”. For example, if you are 31 or older, you must have worked at least five of the last 10 years in order to pass the test.
The second is the “duration of work test”. For example, if you are aged 21 to 24, you need six work credits, or equivalent of 1.5 years of work to qualify for SSDI benefits. If you are aged 31 to 42, you need six to 18 work credits or 1.5 to 4.5 years of work in order to be eligible.
If you failed any of the two tests, you’re not anymore qualified for SSDI benefits. However, this does not mean you are not entitled to receive disability benefits. You can receive them by applying under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. It is a different disability program, and unlike the SSDI, there is no requirement in terms of work credits. You just have to prove that you have limited income and resources to be eligible for SSI benefits.
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