Benefits Planner: Disability | How You Qualify 
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 shor

user: How do I qualify for Disability?

assistant: Do you want to know how to qualify for disability benefits?

user: Yes, I would like to learn about disability benefits.

assistant: You must first have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and then you must have a medical condition that meets our definition of disability.

user: How long should my work history be?

assistant: In addition to meeting our definition of disability, you must also have worked long enough and recently under Social Security to qualify for disability.

user: When I earn $5,440 how many credits does that give me?

assistant: When you earn $5,440 you have earned your four credits for the year.

user: How many work credits do I need and what does it depend on?

assistant: The number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled.  Most of the time, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year you become disabled.

user: How is it determined if an adult "child" is disabled for SSDI benefits?

assistant: Is the child age 18 or older?

user: Yes, my child is 18 years or older.

assistant: Then we will evaluate his or her disability the same way we would the disability for any adult.  We then send in the application to the Disability Determination Services in your state that completes the decision for us.