Your work history plays a significant role in determining your eligibility and the amount of benefits you receive from Social Security Disability Insurance.
Therefore, those seeking financial support due to disability need to understand how one’s work history affects their SSDI claim.
Meeting work credit requirements
You need to have earned enough work credits throughout your employment history to qualify for SSDI benefits. You earn work credits based on your yearly income. However, the number of work credits required depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, the older you are, the more work credits you need. For example, a 56-year-old claimant only needs 34 work credits, while a 62-year-old claimant needs 40.
Relevance of recent work
SSDI considers your recent work history to determine whether your disability prevents you from engaging in substantial gainful activity. If your earnings exceed a certain threshold, it may affect your eligibility.
Trial work periods
For those eager to re-enter the workforce, SSDI offers trial work periods to test your ability to work. To encourage your reintegration into the workforce, you may earn an income above the SGA level without affecting your eligibility and current benefits.
Expedited reinstatement of benefits
The SSDI framework acknowledges and accommodates your work history punctuated by periods of disability. Therefore, if you stopped receiving SSDI benefits due to work activity but later found that your disability prevented you from maintaining employment, you might be eligible for expedited reinstatement.
Understanding how work history impacts your SSDI claim helps you better navigate the process and gain the support and benefits you need.
