Defending And Empowering The Disabled Since 1993

Earning credits to qualify for SSD benefits

On Behalf of | Dec 6, 2018 | Social Security Disability, Social Security Disability

Georgia residents may qualify for Social Security disability benefits if they have earned an appropriate number of work credits, among other requirements. The Social Security Administration will use your work history and earnings information to determine whether you qualify for Social Security disability benefits.

Generally, workers may receive up to four credits per year depending on the amount of money they earn. In 2018, a worker can receive one credit for every $1,320 in net earnings, but the earnings amount required to earn a credit tends to increase each year due to an increase in average earning levels. In addition, a person can only earn up to four credits a year. The SSA also has specific rules in place for certain workers, including self-employed workers, military personnel and farm workers.

According to the SSA, your age at the time of your disability will determine the number of credits you will need to qualify for benefits. For instance, workers under the age of 24 who become disabled must have acquired six credits in the three years of employment leading up to the disability. Workers ages 62 or older will need 40 credits in the ten years prior to their disability.

It is important to note that certain job positions are not covered Social Security, and workers in these positions will not be able to earn the work credits to help them qualify for disability benefits. To find out more about whether your work history entitles you to disability benefits, you may want to seek professional assistance from one familiar with the SSD benefits application process.

Archives

FindLaw Network