How Many Work Credits Do You Need To Have For SSI or Social Security Disability Eligibility?Social Security Disability, not SSI, is dependent upon insured status that is earned through work activity. The minimum amount of work credits (quarters of coverage) needed for insured status is six and the maximum needed to be fully insured with Social Security is forty quarters of coverage. An individual's age at the time they become disabled determines the amount of credits they need to be "fully insured". Social Security applicants must cross one more hurdle to be entitled to Social Security Disability. They must also be "disability insured". Disability insured status requires that an individual be fully insured and have twenty quarters of coverage in the past ten years to be disability insured. This means an individual must have worked five out of the last ten years prior to becoming disabled to be insured for Social Security Disability. There are exceptions for individuals who are under the age of thirty-one and certain other cases. Work activity also determines the amount of an individual's disability benefitS and if there is any extra money on their record to pay their dependents (i.e. children, spouses, and in rare instances parents). Supplemental Security Income disability (SSI), on the other hand, has no insured status requirement. In fact, an individual could potentially be eligible for SSI even if they have never worked. Additionally, SSI disability allows eligibility to children who are disabled themselves. But if you are an adult who receives SSI disability, your children will not receive benefits simply because they are your dependents. SSI eligibility depends upon an individual's income and resources, because it is a need-based disability program. Currently, the resource limit for an individual is $2000.00 and the couple's limit is $3000.00. Resources are cash on hand, bank accounts, land other than where an individual or couple reside, vehicles other than the highest valued, heir property, 401Ks, stocks, bonds, etc. If an individual meets the resource limit (i.e. asset limit), they still have to meet an income limit. Income is defined as wages, pensions, unemployment benefits, short or long term disability benefits, rental income etc. Income limit amounts vary depending upon family composition. Parents' income and resources are counted against children until they are eighteen. Additionally, the SSI benefit amount is set by Social Security each year and there is no possibility of additional money for their dependents. In a nutshell, Supplemental Security Income disability has nothing to due with insured status, so there is no connection with work credits and SSI eligibility. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: How many work quarters do you need to qualify for disability? What If I Do Not Have Enough Work Credits For Social Security Disability Benefits? What Determines If You Are Covered for SSDI - Social Security Disability Insurance? How does social security define work quarters? Not enough accumulated quarters for Social Security Disability, what do I do? SSA Medical Exam and your own Physician If you apply for disability in Alabama Will I qualify for disability Alabama |
