SSD Myth Busters Episode 12
Myth: If I Worked a Long Time, I Must Have Enough Credits to Qualify

In this episode, Josh and Jeremy Worley address a critical financial requirement for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): work credits. A common misconception is that if you've paid into Social Security for many years, you automatically qualify for disability benefits. Josh clarifies that while past work counts for retirement, disability has a stricter "recent work" rule.

To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned enough work credits, which are based on your taxable income, within a specific period before you became disabled. Josh uses a car insurance analogy: just as your coverage lapses if you stop paying premiums, your "insured status" for disability benefits expires if you stop working and paying Social Security taxes. This expiration is called your "Date Last Insured." A general rule is that you need to have worked five of the last ten years. If you don't meet this recent work test, you won't qualify for SSDI financially, regardless of your medical condition. Josh advises individuals to check their official Social Security Statement online to confirm their credits and Date Last Insured.

Myth Verdict

Busted. Working and paying into Social Security for many years does not automatically mean you qualify for disability benefits. SSDI requires sufficient recent work credits, typically earned within five of the last ten years before you became disabled.

Key Insights

  • Recent work matters: Unlike retirement, SSDI requires you to have earned work credits recently, not just in the distant past.
  • Know your "Date Last Insured": This is the date your SSDI coverage expires if you stop working. You must prove your disability began before this date.
  • The 5-out-of-10-year rule: A general guideline is that working five of the last ten years usually provides enough credits.
  • Check your status online: Create a "my Social Security" account to view your official statement, credits, and Date Last Insured.
  • SSI is an alternative: If you lack sufficient work credits, you may still qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a needs-based disability program.