To qualify for Social Security disability benefits , you must first have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. Then you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security's definition of disability. In general , we pay monthly benefits to people who are unable to work for a year or more because of a disability. Benefits usually continue until you are able to work again on a regular basis. There are also a number of special rules, called " work incentives, " that provide continued benefits and health care coverage to help you make the transition back to work. If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits when you reach full retirement age, your disability benefits automatically convert to retirement benefits , but the amount remains the same. 

How Much Work Do You Need? 
In addition to meeting our definition of disability , you must have worked long enough and recently enough under Social Security to qualify for disability benefits. Social Security work credits are based on your total yearly wages or self - employment income. You can earn up to four credits each year. The amount needed for a work credit changes from year to year. In 2019 , for example , you earn one credit for each $1,360 in wages or self - employment income. When you've earned $5,440 , you've earned your four credits for the year. The number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally , you need 40 credits , 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled. However , younger workers may qualify with fewer credits. For more information on whether you qualify , read our publication ; How You Earn Credits. 

What We Mean By Disability 
The definition of disability under Social Security is different than other programs. Social Security pays only for total disability. No benefits are payable for partial disability or for short - term disability. We consider you disabled unde

user: How do you decide if I am working if I am disabled?

assistant: if you are working in 2019 and your earnings average more than $1,220 a month you are not disabled.

user: Yes, I make more than $1,220 a month.

assistant: Then you are generally not considered disabled because you can still make $1,220 a month.

user: If I make $5,440 for the year do i earn my four credits?

assistant: Yes, you have earned our four credits when you make $5,440 for the year.

user: What publications are there for me to look at?

assistant: You can read Disability Benefits, Disability Starter Kits, and If You Are Blind or Have Low Vision How We Can Help.

user: What are some special situations?

assistant: Most people who receive disability benefits are workers who qualify on their own records and meet the work and disability requirements we have described.  However there are special situations you may not know about.

user: What happens when adults are disabled before age 22?

assistant: An adult disabled before age 22 may be eligible for child's benefits if a parent is deceased or starts receiving retirement or disability benefits.  It is considered a child's benefit because it is paid on a parent's Social Security earnings record.