To get disability benefits or SSDI, there are several requirements you must meet. The first sign that a beneficiary can collect these monthly payments is the fact that they have a qualifying disability.
Therefore, your disability must meet the strict definition of disability given by the Social Security Administration. If your disability is included in the Listing of Impairments, it will be much easier to qualify.
Of course, if you have medical evidence for this condition, it will be another great sign that you will collect SSDI. What is more, you must have earned enough work credits.
HOW MANY WORK CREDITS DO I NEED TO GET DISABILITY BENEFITS (SSDI)?
As a matter of fact, you will need a specific number of work credits depending on your age. In general, you will need at least 40 work credits to get Social Security. But this minimum is reduced if your disability starts at a young age.
For example, if you are 30 years old, you will need two years of work. In fact, that is about 8 work credits only. It is far from the 36 you will need at the age of 58 (9 years of work).
What is more, another clear sign that you will receive SSDI is the fact that you have not been able to work for at least 12 months. If that is your case, it will be much easier to get disability benefits.
WHAT ARE YOUR EARNINGS?
Some workers cannot work once their disability appears. Therefore, they may not be able to get any money from work. However, some workers may be able to do some work.
Sometimes, you can continue working but your productivity is not as good as it used to be. Hence, if you earn less than SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity), you have another clear sign that you will receive SSDI.
SGA amount per month is $1,550 for non-blind applicants and $2,590 for blind applicants. So, if you can see you are in this situation, it is more than likely that you get SSDI. As a bonus piece of information, the older you are, the easier it will be to qualify for disability benefits.