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As your 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 to be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). 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.
You earn work credits by working and paying Social Security taxes on your income. The amount of wages or self-employment income needed to earn a credit changes each year.
According to the SSA, you must earn $1,890 to receive one credit. You can earn up to four credits per year, which means earning $7,560 in covered income would give you the maximum number of credits for that year.
Because credits are earned over time, your work history—and when you last worked—can play an important role in whether you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance.
In many cases, the SSA will look at your “date last insured,” which is the last date you met the work credit requirements for SSDI. To qualify, you generally must show that your disability began on or before this date. This means that even if you have not worked recently, you may still qualify if your condition began while you were still insured under the program.
Determining whether you qualify is not always straightforward, especially if you have not worked in several years.
If you do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, you may still be eligible for disability benefits through the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
SSI is a needs-based program that does not depend on your work history. Instead, it is available to individuals with limited income and resources. A resource is anything you can turn into cash, such as property, stocks, bonds, or life insurance.
Even if you are unsure whether you have enough work credits, you may still have options for pursuing 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.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates a wide range of conditions outlined in its “Blue Book.” These include physical and mental impairments such as cancer, chronic heart problems, musculoskeletal disorders, neurological conditions, mental disorders, and autoimmune diseases, among others.
The SSA will need to examine your medical history to show that you have an eligible condition. Make sure the information you supply is accurate and as up-to-date as possible. You may need to submit documentation such as:
The strength of your medical evidence can play a major role in whether your claim is approved. The SSA will look for consistent documentation that shows how your condition affects your ability to work over time, not just a diagnosis.
In addition to work credits, the SSA will also consider your ability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA). Substantial gainful activity refers to a level of work and earnings that the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers substantial enough to show that you are not disabled. If you are earning more than the SGA limit, the SSA may determine that you are able to work and deny your claim.
However, SGA is not just about how much you earn. The SSA also looks at the type of work you are doing and whether you are able to perform it on a consistent basis. In some cases, short-term or unsuccessful attempts to return to work may not count against your claim.
According to the SSA on SGA, the limit for 2026 is set at $1,690. 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.
Because SGA plays a key role in determining eligibility, it is important to accurately report your work activity and earnings when applying for benefits or appealing a denial.
You will need to provide employment history and financial documents with your disability benefits application, including:
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 should also ensure your contact information is correct and current so the SSA can notify you of its decision.
When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, the Social Security Administration uses a five-step process to determine whether you qualify. Understanding this process can help you know what to expect as your claim moves forward.
This process applies whether you are applying for benefits for the first time or appealing a denial. Many claims are denied during this process, often because of missing information or a lack of clear medical evidence. However, a denial is not the end of the process. You have the right to appeal and continue pursuing the benefits you need.
While many people qualify for disability benefits based on straightforward work and medical history, some situations can affect how the Social Security Administration evaluates your claim. For example, younger workers may qualify with fewer work credits than older applicants. In other cases, you may still be eligible if you have not worked recently but earned enough credits in the past.
You may also have had gaps in your work history due to your medical condition. The SSA will look closely at when your condition began and how it has affected your ability to work over time. In some cases, people attempt to return to work but are unable to continue because of their condition. These situations may still support a disability claim, depending on your earnings and how long you were able to work.
These factors can make disability claims more complex, especially when there are questions about your work history or when your condition limited your ability to maintain consistent employment. Because every situation is different, it is not always clear whether you qualify based on work history alone. Even if you are unsure about your eligibility, you may still have options to apply for benefits or appeal a denial.
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 $1,633 per month in 2026. 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 SSDI back pay is generally limited to up to 12 months before your application date, after a required waiting period.
If you are receiving disability benefits but want to try returning to work, you may be able to do so through the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work program.
This program is designed to help individuals explore employment opportunities without immediately losing their benefits. It provides access to job training, vocational rehabilitation, and other support services.
Participating in the Ticket to Work program is voluntary. It allows you to test your ability to work while still maintaining a level of financial protection during the transition.
Because returning to work can affect your benefits, it is important to understand how the program works and how your earnings may be evaluated. If you are considering this option, make sure you report your work activity and stay in contact with the SSA.
A Social Security Disability attorney with Berger and Green can evaluate your Social Security Disability application. If the SSA has denied you benefits we can help you with an appeal. We can also:
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 help you pursue the benefits you may qualify for.
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.
If you haven’t worked in years and are unsure whether you qualify for disability benefits, you are not alone. Many people assume they are no longer eligible, only to find out they may still have options.
At Berger and Green, our team has more than 40 years of experience helping thousands of individuals apply for Social Security Disability benefits and appeal denied claims. Whether you are applying for the first time or need to appeal a denial, we are here to guide you every step of the way with personalized support and a client-first approach.
Call today for a free case evaluation. There is no obligation, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
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