Can I Still Receive Disability Benefits if I Haven't Worked in Years?

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How Do You Earn Work Credits?
What if I Don’t Have Enough Credits or Have Not Worked in Ten Years?
What Else Do You Need to Qualify for Disability Benefits?
You Can Receive Both Monthly Payments and Back Pay
How Can a Disability Attorney With Our Firm Help?
Call Today for a Case Evaluation

Can I Still Receive Disability Benefits if I Haven't Worked in Years?

As your Pittsburgh Social Security Disability lawyer can explain, you can still receive disability benefits if you haven’t worked in years, but there is a limit to how long your employment can lapse. In general, you must have earned at least 20 work credits in the ten years immediately before the onset of your disability.

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), 20 credits is five years of work. Therefore, in general, to have enough credits to qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked five out of the past ten years. Younger workers need fewer credits to qualify for the insurance program.

How Do You Earn Work Credits?

You earn work credits through contributions to the Social Security fund via taxes on your income. The amount of wages or self-employment income needed to earn a work credit changes each year. According to the SSA, in 2024, you need to earn $1,730 to receive one credit. You can earn a maximum of four credits annually, which amounts to $6,920.

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What if I Don’t Have Enough Credits or Have Not Worked in Ten Years?

Suppose you do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. In that case, you may be eligible for disability benefits under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

SSI is a needs-based program and does not rely on work credits. Instead, this Federal program is available to individuals with limited income or minimal resources. A financial resource is anything that you can turn into cash, including property, stocks, bonds, and life insurance.

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What Else Do You Need to Qualify for Disability Benefits?

When you apply for either SSDI or SSI, you will need to prove that you have a medical condition that is disabling and has lasted (or is expected to last) at least one year. Qualifying disability conditions are listed in the Blue Book and include but are not limited to:

Skin disorders
Burns
Cancer
Musculoskeletal disorders
Chronic heart problems
Loss of hearing or speech
Visual impairments and blindness
Cystic fibrosis
Kidney disease
Sickle cell disease
Endocrine disorders
Mental disorders
Neurological disorders
Autoimmune disorders

The SSA will need to examine your medical history to show that you have an eligible ailment. Make sure the information you supply is accurate and as up to date as possible. You may need to submit information about where to obtain:

Doctors’ notes
A history of surgeries and medical procedures
Treatment plans
X-ray, CT scan, and MRI results
Blood work and other lab test results
Hospitalization records
Lists of medications

This information should be included with your initial application for benefits. If you receive a denial because you did not provide adequate information, you can submit this information in an appeal.

You Will Need to Provide Evidence of Your Finances

In addition to work credits, the SSA will also consider your ability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA). According to the SSA on SGA, the limit for 2024 is set at $1,550. Therefore, if you can perform work that earns more than the SGA limit, you may not qualify for benefits. The SGA applies to those seeking SSDI and SSI.

To prove you have enough earned work credits for SSDI and that you do not exceed the SGA limit, you will need to provide employment history and financial documents with your disability benefits application, including:

Pay stubs
W-2s
Settlement agreements
Proof of workers’ compensation or other benefits
A completed Adult Disability Report

Additionally, you will need to provide documents that prove you are a United States citizen, such as an original birth certificate or proof of lawful alien status. You will also need to ensure your contact information is correct and current so that the SSA knows how to notify you of its decision.

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You Can Receive Both Monthly Payments and Back Pay

How much disability you receive monthly depends on your work history and current ability to earn wages. Therefore, everyone’s benefits will vary. However, the SSA reports the average disability payment was around $1,500 per month in 2024. This amount can make a big difference for those unable to work or who have been out of work for an extended time.

If you haven’t worked in years because of a disability but delayed seeking benefits, you may qualify for back pay. Back payments compensate for the time between when you became disabled and when you first applied for benefits. However, note that you generally cannot seek more than 12 months of back pay.

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How Can a Disability Attorney With Our Firm Help?

A Social Security Disability attorney with Berger and Green can evaluate your Social Security Disability application. If the SSA has denied you benefits due to a lack of work credits, insufficient medical evidence, or an application error, we can help you with an appeal. We can also:

Identify application errors or missing evidence regarding your work history
Prove you have earned enough credits during the past ten years
Advise you of other benefit options if your work credits are insufficient
File your appeal
Obtain needed medical and financial documents
Represent you throughout the appeals process

Contact one of our area Social Security Disability lawyers today to learn more:

With over 40 years of experience, Berger and Green has established a legacy of service to thousands of clients.

Our Social Security Disability (SSD) lawyers bring a wealth of knowledge, having evaluated thousands of cases. This extensive experience enables us to navigate the complexities of SSD disability claims effectively. We leverage our deep knowledge and strategic insights to fight tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.

When you choose our law firm, you are not just getting a disability lawyer; you are gaining an attorney dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for your case. Let our experience and proven track record work for you.