Earning Credits Towards Social Security Disability Insurance: Eligibility for Retirement Credits Under the U.S. Social Security Program Explained

There is no question that the Social Security Disability Insurance program and the eligibility requirements that must be met in order for a person to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits are complex, confusing, and difficult to navigate for many, if not most, Social Security Disability applicants. Indeed, with a myriad of administrative laws and federal regulations, it can seem like an uphill battle for an applicant to even understand the basic eligibility requirements to obtain Social Security Disability benefits. One of the important eligibility requirements that a Social Security Disability applicant must meet is that they must have earned enough work “credits” in order to even be considered for Social Security Disability benefits. But what exactly are work “credits” under Social Security Administration regulations and how can you earn them? To help Michigan Social Security Disability applicants better understand this critical component of the Social Security Disability benefits application process, we answer those questions here.

Social Security Disability Work “Credits”: What They are and How to Earn Them

One of the most important criteria for determining whether an applicant is eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits is whether the applicant has earned enough work “credits”, as established by the Social Security Administration’s rules and regulations. Under the federal regulations, a person born in the year 1929 or later needs a total of 40 work “credits” in order to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. 40 work “credits”, under the regulations, equates to 10 years of work. As the Social Security Administration further explains, “When you work and pay Social Security taxes, you earn “credits” toward Social Security benefits. The number of credits you need to receive benefits depends on when you were born….” In addition, under the regulations, “If you stop working before you have enough credits to be eligible for benefits, the credits will remain on your Social Security record. If you return to work later, we will add more credits based on the amount you earn. We can’t pay any retirement benefits until you have the required number of credits.” In sum, work “credits” under the Social Security Administration’s regulations are credits earned towards Social Security Disability Insurance when a person works and pays Social Security Taxes. A person born in or after 1929 must have 40 work credits (10 years of work) in order to be eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, as a threshold matter.

Help with Your Social Security Disability Case in Michigan

If you are in Michigan and you need legal help obtaining Social Security Disability benefits contact the experienced Michigan Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law.  The experienced Michigan Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law offer a free and confidential consultation to learn about your case and to see if they can help you get benefits due to you. Contact the experienced Michigan Social Security Disability lawyers at Nationwide Disability Law today and speak to a lawyer about your case for free.

Source:

ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10035.pdf