Work credits are one of the key eligibility requirements for Social Security Disability Insurance, yet many applicants don’t fully understand how they’re earned or how many are needed. Knowing where you stand on work credits before you apply can help you avoid surprises and plan accordingly. The SSA assigns work credits based on your annual earnings. In 2025, you earn one credit for each $1,810 in wages or self-employment income, up to a maximum of four credits per year.
The earnings threshold adjusts slightly each year. Credits accumulate over your working lifetime and are the basis for eligibility for SSDI, retirement benefits, and survivors benefits. For SSDI, the number of credits required depends on your age at the time you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 credits total, with 20 of those earned in the 10 years before you became disabled.
This is sometimes described as needing to have worked five out of the last ten years. However, younger workers may qualify with fewer credits — the SSA has a sliding scale that reduces the requirement for workers who become disabled before age 31. Credits don’t expire, but their recency matters. If you stopped working many years ago, you may have accumulated enough total credits but not enough recent credits to meet the “insured” status requirement.
This is why it’s important to apply for SSDI soon after becoming unable to work — waiting too long can result in losing your insured status. If you don’t have enough work credits for SSDI, SSI may be an option. SSI has no work credit requirement and is based on financial need and disability status instead.
Our team at Grech Law Firm Attorney & Counselor can review your earnings record and help you determine which programs you qualify for. Contact us for a free consultation.
