Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can provide financial support for people who cannot work. When adults develop disabling medical conditions due to illness or injury, SSDI benefits can help cover basic living expenses.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has notoriously high standards for those hoping to qualify for SSDI benefits. The condition itself must cause a total inability to work and be expected to last a year or longer. The applicant also needs to have a sufficient work history.
The SSA awards employees credits based on the income they earn. Most applicants age 31 or older must have at least 40 credits, with 20 credits from the last decade. Can workers under the age of 31 still qualify for SSDI benefits?
The SSA has a sliding credit scale
Given that workers can only accrue four credits per year regardless of how much they earn, younger workers may not necessarily have 40 credits accrued when they become unable to maintain gainful employment.
Thankfully, the SSA has more lenient rules for younger applicants. Those between the ages of 24 and 31 can qualify if they have worked for half of the time since they turned 21. SSDI applicants under the age of 24 could be eligible for benefits if they have as few as six credits in their name. Even those who work part-time or seasonally could earn the maximum four credits per year as a young professional.
People facing a year or longer of unemployment due to medical challenges may need assistance as they seek SSDI benefits. Understanding the current SSDI eligibility requirements can help people pursue the support they require.