Will Social Security Award Me Disability If I Don't Have Enough Work Credits?

Social Security Disability (SSD) is generally awarded only to those who have worked enough hours to qualify for benefits. This is because SSD, also known as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), is meant to function like a federal disability insurance policy. Anyone who earns enough work credits (has worked enough hours in the years leading up to the claim for disability) could be eligible for SSDI simply because they have paid enough into the Social Security system through FICA taxes deducted from their paychecks.

What if I Haven't Earned Enough?

But what about those who have not earned enough work credits? Could they still be entitled to federal disability benefits? The answer is yes. There is another federal disability program, called Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which was established by Title XVI of the Social Security Act. SSI is meant to function as a safety net for those who are unable to work as a result of their impairment, but who haven't worked enough to qualify for SSDI, or perhaps were insured for SSDI but lost their coverage due to the fact that they have not worked much in recent years. Of course, children are also covered by the SSI program.

SSI is "Needs Based"

The thing about SSI is, it requires that a real financial need be present. Social security disability requires only that the person be able to prove a severe, ongoing impairment that prevents them from earning a certain amount each month (known as the substantial gainful activity, or SGA, amount).

Your Assets and SSI Qualifications

To qualify for SSI, however, the claimant must not only be severely impaired, but must also provide proof of total countable assets valued at no more than $2,000. Assets include just about everything of value except a primary residence and one car, including cash, bank accounts, land, excess burial plots, and even the cash value in insurance policies.