How long do I have to work to qualify for SSDI benefits?

By Hogan Smith

Updated 12/09/2025

How long do I have to work to qualify for SSDI benefits? To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have earned a sufficient number of work credits by paying into Social Security through your employment. Generally, this means you need to have worked for about 5 to 10 years before becoming disabled, though the exact requirement varies depending on your age when the disability occurs. The Social Security Administration (SSA) calculates your credits based on the amount of your earnings and your work history over recent years. Ensuring you have the required work credits is essential to receiving SSDI benefits.

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Step 1: Understand Work Credits Needed

The SSA requires:

  • Usually 40 work credits, with at least 20 earned in the last 10 years.
  • The number of credits varies based on your age at disability onset.
  • Credits are earned yearly based on your reported earnings subject to Social Security taxes.
Step 2: Calculate Your Work History Duration

Your eligibility depends on:

  • Having worked approximately 5 to 10 years, depending on age.
  • Regular employment history over recent years before disability.
  • A shorter work period may qualify if you become disabled at a younger age.
Step 3: Know Age-Based Credit Requirements

Age determines credit needs:

  • Younger individuals generally need fewer credits.
  • Older applicants require more credits, reflecting longer work history.
  • SSA uses a sliding scale to assess necessary credits.
Step 4: Monitor Earnings and Contributions

It's important to:

  • Ensure your earnings are reported accurately to Social Security.
  • Pay Social Security taxes regularly through your job.
  • Keep records of your employment and earnings to verify your work credits.
Common Challenges in Qualification

Watch out for:

  • Insufficient work credits due to short or sporadic employment.
  • Errors in reported earnings that affect credit calculation.
  • Understanding SSA’s specific age-based rules that can impact eligibility.

How Hogan Smith Can Help

At Hogan Smith, we help clients understand how work history affects their SSDI eligibility by:

  • Evaluating your employment record to confirm you have the required work credits.
  • Explaining how your age and recent work influence the qualification timeline.
  • Assisting with gathering and verifying earnings documentation for the SSA.
  • Guiding you through complex SSA rules on work credits to maximize your chance of approval.

Contact Hogan Smith Today

If you have questions about how long you need to work to qualify for SSDI benefits, contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. Our dedicated team will help you navigate the SSDI qualification requirements, ensuring you understand your work credits and eligibility, and provide support throughout your application process.

Further Reading

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Updated February 10, 2025

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Updated February 10, 2025

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Updated February 10, 2025

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