The 5-Year Rule for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pertains to a specific requirement regarding the work history of individuals applying for disability benefits. To qualify for SSDI, you generally must have earned a certain number of work credits, which are based on your earnings over time. The key points of this rule are as follows:

Work Credits Requirement

To be eligible for SSDI, you typically need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a minimum number of years. The exact number of required years varies based on your age when you become disabled. 

The 5-Year Rule

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 Specifically, to qualify for SSDI benefits, you must have worked and paid into Social Security for at least 5 of the 10 years preceding the year you became disabled. This requirement is often referred to as the “20/40 rule,” meaning you need to obtain 20 work credits (which generally equates to 5 years of work) within the 10 years leading up to your disability.

For example, if you become disabled at age 30, you will need to have earned at least 20 credits during the 10 years before your disability. If you wait until age 50, the requirements might be slightly different, requiring you to have earned credits for more years.

Exceptions

Younger individuals may not need to meet the 5-year rule, as they are allowed a shorter work history to qualify. For example, someone under the age of 24 may need fewer credits, while a person aged 31 or older might require a longer work history.

 This rule ensures that individuals receiving SSDI benefits have a sufficient work history to support their claim, linking eligibility to the contributions made to Social Security through their employment.

Get in Touch with A Social Security Disability Lawyer 

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If you are having trouble getting Social Security Disability benefits and need to show that you can’t work, you don’t have to do this alone. Marc Whitehead & Associates can help you with your social security disability claim.  

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Our dedicated team of Social Security Disability lawyers has a lot of experience with the application process and will give your case the personal attention it needs.  

Let us help you understand your rights, create a strong initial claim or appeal, and fight for the benefits you deserve. Call us now or fill out the online contact form for a free consultation.

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