What are the eligibility requirements for Social Security disability?

Question: What are the eligibility requirements for Social Security disability?

Response:To be eligible for Social Security disability benefits, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. Secondly, you must have a medical condition that meets the definition of "disability."

Social security disability eligibility also depends on if you have earned a certain amount of "work credits", based on your total yearly wages or self-employment income. It's possible to earn up to 4 credits each year. Generally, you will need to earn 40 credits but younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

Social Security only pays for total disability, not partial or short-term disability. You are considered disabled if: (1) you cannot perform work that you did before; (2) you cannot perform other work because of your medical condition, and (3) your disability has lasted or is expected to last for at least 1 year or result in death.

Additional Resource: Social Security Administration

Answered by Cynthia Padilla

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