In California, Eligibility Requirements For SSDI

dss.cahwnet.gov, Nov 22, 2005

The Disability Requirement:

To be considered disabled, you must be unable to perform any "substantial" work due to a physical or mental condition which has lasted or can be expected to last for at least a year, or can be expected to result in death. Generally, monthly earnings of $780 or more are considered substantial. Your impairment must be severe enough to prevent you from working not only in your usual job but in any other occupation considering your age, education, training, and work experience.

The Earnings Requirement:

Eligibility is based on being "insured" through your tax contributions to the Social Security trust fund. In 2005 you will receive one Social Security credit for each $920 you earned (up to the maximum of four credits per year). The number of credits required to be eligible for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled.

Before age 24, you must have earned six credits during a 3 year period (12 quarters).

Between ages 24-30, you must have earned credits for half of the calendar quarters in the period beginning after age 21 and the time you became disabled.

After age 31, you must have earned credits for work in 5 years (20 calendar quarters) during a 10 year (40-quarter period) ending in or after the quarter in which you became disabled.