What happens if you don t have enough credits for Social Security disability?

If you don't have enough work credits for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your application will be denied for not meeting technical requirements, but you might still qualify for needs-based Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you have very low income and resources, or you can appeal the SSDI decision, as an attorney can check for errors or explore other options like SSI. You earn credits by working and paying Social Security taxes, and failing to meet the required number (which varies by age) means no SSDI benefits.


Can I get SSDI with 20 credits?

Generally, you need 40 credits, 20 of which were earned in the last 10 years ending with the year your disability begins. This is called the 20/40 Rule. However, younger workers may be eligible with fewer credits. For more information on whether you are eligible, read our publication How You Earn Credits.

Can I get disability if I don't have enough points?

We base your credits on the amount of your earnings. We cannot pay benefits if you don't have enough credits. Each year the amount of earnings needed for credits goes up slightly as average earnings increase.


What if I don't have enough Social Security credits?

If you don't have enough Social Security credits (40 for retirement, fewer for disability), you won't qualify for benefits on your own record, but you might get benefits through a spouse, qualify for disability with fewer credits if younger, or potentially receive needs-based Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you're disabled or elderly with low income and resources, notes Nasdaq. Credits, earned by paying Social Security taxes on earnings, are kept on your record if you stop working, allowing you to add more later. 

Can you get Social Security disability without work credits?

No, you generally cannot get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) without enough work credits because it's an insurance program requiring you to have paid into Social Security through your earnings, but you might qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a separate, need-based program for disabled people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Work credits are earned by working and earning income, with different requirements based on age, and you must have enough credits and a qualifying disability to get SSDI. 


How to Collect Social Security if You Didn't Earn Enough Credits



Can I get disability if I don't have enough credits?

You generally cannot get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) without work credits, as they're required for that program, but you might qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a separate, need-based program that doesn't require work credits, or potentially for survivor/spousal benefits if you're eligible through a family member's record. SSI is for low-income individuals with limited resources, while SSDI requires a sufficient work history, though younger people need fewer credits. 

How do people who never worked get SSI?

People who have never worked can get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) by meeting strict income/asset limits and proving a qualifying disability, blindness, or being age 65+, as SSI is a needs-based program not tied to work credits, unlike SSDI. Eligibility requires limited income/resources (under $2,000 for individuals), a severe medical condition preventing substantial work for over a year or resulting in death, and U.S. citizenship/qualified alien status. 

What disqualifies you from getting Social Security disability?

SSDI benefits are intended as a supplement for people who are unable to work enough to earn a living. An individual will be disqualified from SSDI payments if he or she earns $880 per month or more from working.


Can I buy my Social Security credits?

No. You can't purchase, transfer, or borrow Social Security work credits. The only way to earn them is through working and paying Social Security taxes.

What is one of the biggest mistakes people make regarding Social Security?

Claiming Benefits Too Early

One of the biggest mistakes people make is claiming Social Security benefits as soon as they're eligible, which is at age 62. While getting money sooner can be tempting, claiming early has a significant downside: your monthly benefit will be reduced.

What happens if I don't have 40 credits?

What happens if I don't get 40 credits for Social Security? If you don't earn 40 work credits, you won't qualify for your own Social Security retirement benefits. However, you may still be eligible for spousal or survivor benefits based on your spouse's or ex-spouse's work record.


How long does it take to get 4 points for Social Security?

The amount of earnings it takes to earn a credit may change each year. In 2026, you earn one Social Security and Medicare credit for every $1,890 in covered earnings each year. You must earn $7,560 to get the maximum four credits for the year.

How many credits do you need for SSDI 2025?

SSDI eligibility is based on your earnings and work history. In 2025, applicants generally need: A total of 40 work credits, with at least 20 of those earned in the last 10 years before the onset of the disability. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits based on their age at the time of disability.

How to boost your SS check by 24?

The following five planning tips are ones that everyone should know about to increase the size of their Social Security checks.
  1. Work at Least the Full 35 Years. ...
  2. Max Out Earnings Through Full Retirement Age. ...
  3. Delay Benefits. ...
  4. Claim Spousal Benefits and Delay Yours. ...
  5. Avoid Social Security Tax.


What conditions qualify for adult disability payment?

To get Adult Disability Payment, you must have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability, or be terminally ill.

How do I get Social Security without enough credits?

If you do not earn the required 40 credits, you will not be eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. However, there are other options: Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For those who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources, SSI may provide financial assistance.

How much do you have to make to get $3,000 a month in Social Security?

To get around $3,000/month in Social Security, you generally need a high earning history, around $100,000-$108,000+ annually over your top 35 years, but waiting to claim until age 70 maximizes this amount, potentially reaching it with lower yearly earnings, say under $70k if you wait long enough, as benefits are based on your highest indexed earnings over 35 years. The exact amount depends heavily on your specific earnings history and the age you start collecting benefits. 


What medical conditions qualify for SSDI?

Medical conditions that qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) must be severe enough to prevent substantial work for at least 12 months, covering major body systems like musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and mental health, as detailed in the SSA's "Blue Book". Common examples include severe arthritis, heart disease, cancer, depression, Crohn's, COPD, and multiple sclerosis, but eligibility hinges on proving the condition prevents any work, not just your previous job, with sufficient work credits also needed. 

What is the downside of social security disability?

Negatives of getting Social Security Disability (SSD) include potentially low benefit amounts (often not enough to live on), significant health insurance gaps (Medicare starts 24 months late), the long and difficult application process, strict work/income limits, and potential loss of other benefits like SSI or Medicaid, plus the risk of reviews and overpayment issues. 

What is the hardest disability to prove?

Here are the Top Disabilities That Are Difficult To Prove
  • Mental Health Conditions. Mental illness stands as one of the most prevalent causes of disability, yet its impact is often underestimated or misunderstood. ...
  • Chronic Pain Disorders. ...
  • Fibromyalgia. ...
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. ...
  • Autoimmune Disorders.


What can get you kicked off of disability?

Although payments are terminated for death and medical recovery, suspension of payments is common, particularly for financial reasons. Payments may be suspended because the recipient has excess earnings, excess unearned income, excess resources, or a change in living arrangements.

Can you get disability without work credits?

You generally cannot get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) without work credits, as they're required for that program, but you might qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a separate, need-based program that doesn't require work credits, or potentially for survivor/spousal benefits if you're eligible through a family member's record. SSI is for low-income individuals with limited resources, while SSDI requires a sufficient work history, though younger people need fewer credits. 

How often does SSI review my case?

If improvement is possible, but can't be predicted, we'll review your case about every 3 years. If improvement is not expected, we'll review your case every 7 years. Your initial award notice will tell you when you can expect your first medical review.


What to do when Social Security is not enough to live on?

When Social Security isn't enough, supplement your income by exploring other government programs like SSI, SNAP, and Medicaid, working part-time, using retirement savings (401k, IRA), considering annuities for guaranteed income, delaying benefits to increase payments, and seeking help from non-profits like the National Council on Aging (NCOA) BenefitsCheckUp tool.