Understanding Work Credits For Social Security Disability Insurance

Suppose you’re a New Yorker struggling with a condition like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, sciatica, chronic pain or any other physical or mental impairment. In that case, you may be wondering if you qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. SSD is a program designed to replace part of your lost income if you have a disability that prevents you from working full-time. However, having enough work credits is a key eligibility requirement.

Established in 1996, the Law Offices of Daniel Berger assists New Yorkers with legal concerns about Social Security Disability. We prioritize respect and dignity in client relationships as we fight aggressively to help you get the SSD benefits you deserve.

How Work Credits Affect Your SSD Eligibility

Work credits are a system the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses to determine if you’ve worked long enough to qualify for Social Security benefits like retirement, disability or survivor benefits.

While the severity of your condition is a significant factor, earning sufficient work credits is also essential for eligibility. The number of work credits required for SSD eligibility depends on your age when your disability began. Generally, you’ll need 40 credits, with 20 of those earned in the 10 years leading up to your disability. However, younger individuals need fewer credits than those disabled later in life, so that number can vary.

In addition to having sufficient work credits, SSD requires that your disability meet the SSA’s definition of a long-term, total disability, preventing any substantial gainful employment. Conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, herniated discs, sciatica, vertigo, cancer, asthma, fibromyalgia, vision loss and kidney failure may qualify if symptoms are severe.

Let Us Help You With Your New York SSD Claim

Being denied SSD is disheartening, but we specialize in appeals and federal litigation of wrongfully denied claims. Contact the Law Offices of Daniel Berger at 718-691-7475 or use our online form and let our Social Security Disability lawyers handle all legal aspects of your application and fight aggressively to secure your benefits.