If you’re wondering whether you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in 2025, one of the most important factors is your work history. SSDI isn’t just handed out—you need to have worked long enough and recently enough to be eligible. This is measured through work credits, and in 2025, the requirements have been updated.
How Do Work Credits Work?
The Social Security Administration (SSA) tracks your work history in “credits.” You earn these based on your income, and the amount needed to earn a credit changes each year.
For 2025, every $1,810 in earnings gets you one work credit. The maximum you can earn per year is four credits, which means if you earn at least $7,240 in 2025, you’ll get the full four credits for the year.
How Many Work Credits Do You Need for SSDI?
The number of work credits you need depends on your age when you become disabled. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- If you’re 31 or older – You generally need at least 20 credits in the last 10 years. That’s about five years of work.
- If you’re 24 to 30 – You must have worked at least half the time between age 21 and when you became disabled. So, if you’re 27, you’d need about three years of work (12 credits).
- If you’re under 24 – You can qualify with just six credits earned in the three years before your disability (about 1.5 years of work).
What If You Haven’t Worked Enough?
If you don’t have enough credits, you won’t qualify for SSDI. However, you may still be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a separate program for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
Does Every Job Count Toward Work Credits?
Not all jobs contribute to Social Security work credits. Some government positions, farm work, and self-employment may have different rules. If you’re self-employed, you need to pay Social Security taxes to earn work credits.
Why This Matters
SSDI provides lifesaving financial support for those who can no longer work due to a disability. If you’re planning for the future, checking your Social Security Statement online is a good way to see if you have enough credits.
If you’re close to qualifying but not quite there, it may be worth working a little longer to secure your eligibility. Knowing the rules ahead of time can prevent surprises if you ever need to apply for disability benefits.
Would you qualify for SSDI in 2025? Check your work credits now to be sure!
