The work credit requirement for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is based on an individual’s work history and financial contributions to the Social Security system. To qualify for SSDI, individuals need to have accumulated a designated number of work credits, with the exact amount depending on their age at the onset of disability. Failing to meet the required number of work credits can result in ineligibility for SSDI benefits. Work credits serve as a measure of an individual’s ability to support themselves financially through work and ensure that only those who have contributed to the system receive SSDI benefits.


If you need help securing benefits, call the Social Security disability attorneys at Ankin Law. (872) 529-9377.

What Is the Work Credit Requirement in Illinois?

The work credit requirement for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits is the same across all states, including Illinois. To qualify for SSDI benefits, individuals must have earned enough work credits by paying Social Security taxes on their earnings. The number of work credits required varies depending on the applicant’s age at the onset of disability.

In general, individuals need to have accumulated 40 work credits, with 20 of those credits earned in the 10 years immediately before their disability began. However, the exact number of work credits needed may vary.

Younger individuals may require fewer work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits because they may not have had as much time to accumulate income and pay in to the system. Additionally, special rules apply to individuals who become disabled at a young age to ensure that qualifying for benefits is attainable.

While work credits are necessary for SSDI eligibility, they do not affect the amount of the monthly benefit payment. Once an individual qualifies for SSDI, the amount of their benefit is based on their average lifetime earnings covered by Social Security.

How Work Credits Are Earned

Work credits are essential for eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. These credits are earned through employment and self-employment and determine whether an individual has contributed sufficiently to the Social Security system to qualify for benefits. Here’s how work credits are earned:

Earning Income

To earn work credits, individuals must work in jobs covered by Social Security or be self-employed and earn income subject to Social Security taxes.

Calculation of Work Credits

Work credits are calculated based on the amount of earned income subject to Social Security taxes. In 2022, one work credit is earned for every $1,510 in earnings, regardless of how long it takes to earn that amount. The maximum number of credits that can be earned in a year is four.

Accumulation of Work Credits

Individuals can accumulate work credits over time as they continue to work and earn income subject to Social Security taxes. The number of work credits needed to qualify for SSDI benefits depends on the age at the onset of disability and the individual’s work history.

Maintenance of Eligibility

To maintain eligibility for SSDI benefits, individuals must continue to work and earn income subject to Social Security taxes, which allows them to earn additional work credits. However, once an individual becomes disabled and unable to work, they may no longer be able to earn work credits, but the credits they have already earned remain on their record for eligibility purposes.

How Does Age Impact the Work Credit Requirement?

Age plays a role in determining the work credit requirement for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The work credit requirement varies based on the age of the individual at the onset of disability. 

Younger Individuals

Younger individuals may require fewer work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits because they have not had as much time to accumulate them. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes that individuals who become disabled at a young age may not have had the opportunity to work and earn as many credits as older individuals. Therefore, the work credit requirement for younger individuals is often lower than for older individuals.

Older Individuals

Older individuals typically need to have accumulated more work credits to qualify for SSDI benefits. This is because older individuals have had more time to work and earn credits. The SSA evaluates an individual’s work history to determine if they have earned enough credits to meet the requirement for their age at the onset of disability.

Overall, age impacts the work credit requirement by influencing the amount of time an individual has had to work and earn credits, as well as the SSA’s consideration of special rules for younger workers.

The Impact of Work Credit Requirements on SSDI Eligibility 

The work credit requirements are a fundamental aspect of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) eligibility, directly impacting who qualifies for benefits. These requirements ensure that individuals have contributed sufficiently to the Social Security system through their work and taxes before they can receive disability benefits. 

Here’s how work credit requirements impact SSDI eligibility:

  • Qualification Criteria: Work credits serve as a measure of an individual’s work history and financial contributions to the Social Security system. To qualify for SSDI benefits, individuals must have earned a certain number of work credits based on their age at the onset of disability and their work history.
  • Determining Eligibility: The number of work credits required for SSDI eligibility varies depending on the age at which the individual became disabled. Generally, individuals need to have accumulated 40 work credits, with 20 of those credits earned in the 10 years immediately before their disability began. However, younger individuals may require fewer credits due to their limited work history, while older individuals typically need more credits.
  • Accessibility for Younger Workers: The work credit requirements can pose challenges for younger workers who may have had less time to accumulate work credits before becoming disabled. To address this, the Social Security Administration (SSA) applies special rules for younger workers, such as reducing the number of required work credits or providing alternative criteria for eligibility. These special rules ensure that younger workers have a fair opportunity to qualify for SSDI benefits despite their limited work history.
  • Maintenance of Eligibility: Once individuals qualify for SSDI benefits based on their work credits, they must continue to meet criteria to maintain eligibility. This may include ongoing medical reviews to assess the severity of their disability and periodic reviews of their work activity and income to ensure they are not engaging in substantial gainful activity (SGA).

Work credit requirements are a critical component of SSDI eligibility, ensuring that individuals who have contributed to the Social Security system through their work are provided with financial support when they become disabled and unable to work.

Are There Consequences for Not Meeting the Work Credit Requirement?

There are consequences for not meeting the work credit requirement for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. Since work credits serve as a measure of an individual’s work history and financial contributions to the Social Security system, failing to meet the required number of work credits can result in ineligibility for SSDI benefits. 

Ineligibility for SSDI Benefits

If an individual does not have a sufficient number of work credits based on their age at the onset of disability, they may not qualify for SSDI benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) requires applicants to meet specific work credit requirements to be eligible for SSDI benefits, and failure to do so can result in a denial of their application.

Alternative Options

Individuals who do not meet the work credit requirement for SSDI benefits may still have other options available to them. For example, they may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, which are needs-based benefits provided to disabled individuals with limited income and resources. SSI benefits are not based on work history or contributions to the Social Security system.

Appeals and Reviews 

If an individual’s SSDI application is denied due to insufficient work credits, they have the right to appeal the decision. During the appeals process, they can provide additional evidence to prove they can’t work or argue their case before an administrative law judge. Additionally, individuals may undergo periodic reviews of their eligibility for SSDI benefits, during which their work history and credits may be reassessed.

Failing to meet the work credit requirement for SSDI benefits can have consequences, including ineligibility for benefits. It’s essential for individuals to understand the work credit requirements and explore alternative options if they do not meet the criteria for SSDI benefits. If you need help with your case in Chicago, IL, contact Ankin Law for a Social Security disability attorney. (872) 529-9377.