People who live in New York and can’t work because of a disability can apply for SSDI in New York. SSDI benefits are paid by the Social Security Administration to people who worked in the past but now can’t work because they have become disabled. The money from SSDI can be used to pay for any of your living expenses like housing, food or household bills.
Understanding Work Credits in New York
When you apply for Social Security disability benefits in New York you will have to qualify based on your medical condition and how many work credits you’ve earned.
What are Work Credits?
When you worked you had money from your paycheck deducted every pay period that was paid into the Social Security system. So, by working in the past you have made yourself eligible for SSDI. The money from SSDI isn’t a handout. You paid into the system so that if you did ever become disabled you could get SSDI to help you get by.
When you were working you also earned work credits. You can earn up to 4 work credits per year every year that you work in New York. When you apply for SSDI you will need to prove that you have earned the required number of work credits to qualify for SSDI based on your age.
How Work Credits Are Calculated
To calculate work credits the Social Security Administration looks at several factors. You earn one work credit for every $1,640 you earn, up to a maximum of four credits per year. This means if you earn at least $6,560 in a year, you’ll earn all four credits for that year.
But your work history also plays a role in how many work credits you need to qualify for SSDI. Generally, you need 40 credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability.
The Role of Work Credits in Disability Benefits
Work credits are required to get SSDI in New York because they prove that you worked previously and paid money into the SSA system. The SSA wants to be sure that people who can work are working and that only people who are eligible for SSDI in New York are getting disability benefits.
How Many Work Credits Do You Need in New York?
If you worked in New York the number of work credits you need to qualify for SSDI depends on your age and whether or not you are blind.
Work Credit Requirements by Age
The number of work credits required for SSDI in New York by age are:
- Ages 31 and Older: Generally, you need 40 work credits, with at least 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability began.
- Ages 24 to 30: You need at least 20 work credits earned in the last 10 years. However, if you are closer to age 24, the number of required credits decreases.
- Age 24: 6 credits in the last 3 years.
- Age 25: 12 credits in the last 3 years.
- Age 26: 18 credits in the last 3 years.
- Age 27: 24 credits in the last 5 years.
- Age 28: 30 credits in the last 5 years.
- Age 29: 36 credits in the last 5 years.
- Ages 18 to 23: You need 6 work credits earned in the last 3 years.
The number of work credits required is different for different ages in New York because the SSA expects that you will work more as you get older. The younger you are, the less time you’ve had to work and earn credits.
Blind Workers
If you are blind and can’t work, there are special rules that limit the requirements you must meet. You may qualify for SSDI benefits with fewer work credits. If you are blind and have been working but can’t any longer you should speak with a disability attorney to find out more about the work requirements for blind workers.
Recent Work Test & Duration of Work Test
The SSA uses two separate tests to determine if a worker has earned enough recent credits to qualify for SSDI in New York. The Recent Work Test is primarily about how recently you have been employed. The Duration of Work Test ensures you have a sufficient work history over your lifetime
What If You Don’t Meet the Work Requirements in New York?
There are situations where people in New York won’t have earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, but they still need help. You may be eligible for SSI if you have never been able to work because of your disability.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI may be an option for individuals in New York who don’t meet SSDI work requirements but are still disabled and have limited income and resources. SSI is like SSDI but has no work requirement.
Exceptions and Appeals
If you almost meet all of the work requirements for SSDI in New York but not quite, you can apply for SSDI and when your application is denied you can appeal the denial.
That will give you the chance to explain in more detail why you should get SSDI even though you don’t quite meet all the requirements.
How to Check Your Work Credits
If you want to check how many work credits you have or get more information about your eligibility for SSDI in New York you can go to the SSA’s website and create an account or log into your existing account. Your work credit history and other eligibility details should be listed in your account. You can also visit any SSA office in New York to get help or ask questions.
