If you are younger than 67 and have become disabled while working, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages the SSDI program, providing monthly payments and healthcare to disabled individuals who are no longer able to support themselves. However, you must earn a certain number of credits to qualify.
If you are wondering whether you meet the SSDI work credit requirements in Charlotte, contact the Sasser Law Firm today. Our seasoned SSDI attorneys possess almost four decades of experience helping others pursue the benefits they need.
The SSA determines your credits based on your income and work history. If you have not earned enough credits, you will not qualify for SSDI benefits. In 2025, individuals earn one credit for every $1,810 in net wages, up to four credits annually. This threshold increases each year slightly as average earnings increase across the country.
Your Social Security account tracks your credits, even if you become unemployed or change jobs. Military service personnel and self-employed workers follow the same rules to earn work credits. However, different rules apply to certain kinds of work, including:
Sometimes, religious organizations and other nonprofits are not required to withhold or pay Social Security taxes. If you are unable to continue working for such an organization due to a disabling condition, our SSDI attorneys may be able to apply special rules to help you meet work credits eligibility in Charlotte.
The number of credits you need depends on your age at the time of disability. If you become disabled before reaching age 24, you usually need six credits, equivalent to 18 months of work in the three years before you became disabled. Between ages 24 and 31, you typically need credits for 50 percent of the period between age 21 and becoming disabled. After the age of 31, you generally need a minimum of 20 credits earned during the 10 years before disability. For an accurate assessment of your situation, including whether your work credits make you eligible for disability benefits, contact our law firm in Charlotte.
Having sufficient work credits provides access to SSDI benefits and potentially early healthcare through the federal Medicare program. Medicare typically begins two years or more after starting disability benefits. Certain exceptions, such as Lou Gehrig’s disease or certain types of kidney disease, may allow immediate Medicare enrollment. Having enough SSDI work credits ensures your eligibility for the benefits you need, and our Charlotte attorneys can review whether you qualify during an initial consultation.
Applying for Social Security disability or appealing a denial of benefits can be incredibly stressful. One mistake on your application or failure to demonstrate sufficient work credits will almost certainly result in denial, requiring an appeal. The system is complicated, but our attorneys are here for you.
With almost four decades of experience managing cases similar to yours, our team at the Sasser Law Firm can help complete the Social Security disability application process. We understand the SSDI work credit requirements in Charlotte and can advise you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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