There are many requirements individuals must meet to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. In addition to a person’s medical condition, individuals must also qualify based on their work history. In particular, people must have enough work credits in order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
It can often be confusing for individuals in Georgia to determine what a work credit is and how individuals accumulate them. However, understanding work credits is important for individuals who need SSD benefits.
According to the Social Security Administration, work credits are accumulated during a person’s life time. These credits are tied to the amount of money that a person makes at their place of employment. In 2016, employees must earn $1,260 in order to earn a work credit for Social Security purposes. A maximum of four credits can be earned per year.
In order to qualify for disability benefits, an individual must have a certain amount of work credits. The exact number of work credits that an individual must have depends on how old the person was when the person became disabled. In general, older workers must have 40 work credits in order to qualify for SSD benefits. Of these 40 credits, 20 must have been earned in the last 10 years.
Younger workers will not need this many credits. For example, if an individual was injured before the age of 24, a person can qualify for disability benefits as long as the person has at least six work credits.
It is important for individuals in Georgia to understand all of the necessary requirements for Social Security disability benefits. An attorney can help people understand these benefits and what they need to qualify.
