SSDI Work Credits Calculator: Do You Have Enough?
TL;DR: You generally need 40 work credits for SSDI, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability. Younger workers need fewer credits. In 2026, you earn one credit per $1,810 in earnings (max 4 credits per year). Check your credits at ssa.gov. ClaimPath builds your application documents for $79.
Work Credit Requirements
| Age at Disability | Credits Needed | Recent Work Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Under 24 | 6 credits | 3 years before disability |
| 24-30 | Credits for half the time since age 21 | Half in recent years |
| 31-42 | 20 credits | 20 in last 10 years |
| 44 | 22 credits | 20 in last 10 years |
| 46 | 24 credits | 20 in last 10 years |
| 48 | 26 credits | 20 in last 10 years |
| 50 | 28 credits | 20 in last 10 years |
| 52 | 30 credits | 20 in last 10 years |
| 54 | 32 credits | 20 in last 10 years |
| 56 | 34 credits | 20 in last 10 years |
| 58 | 36 credits | 20 in last 10 years |
| 60 | 38 credits | 20 in last 10 years |
| 62+ | 40 credits | 20 in last 10 years |
How Credits Are Earned
In 2026, you earn one work credit for every $1,810 in covered earnings, up to 4 credits per year. This means you need to earn at least $7,240 in a year to get the maximum 4 credits. Credits are based on annual earnings, not hours worked.
The "Recent Work" Test
The 20-credits-in-10-years requirement (for workers 31+) is what trips people up most. If you stopped working several years before becoming disabled, you may have lost your "insured status" even if you worked for decades. Your date last insured (DLI) determines the deadline.
Check Your Credits
Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to see your earnings record and estimated credits. This is the first thing you should do before applying. If you discover missing earnings, contact SSA with W-2s or tax returns to correct your record.
No Work Credits? Consider SSI
If you do not have enough work credits for SSDI, you may qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income). SSI has no work history requirement but has income and resource limits. Many people apply for both SSDI and SSI simultaneously.
ClaimPath builds documents for both SSDI and SSI applications for $79 flat.
Start your ClaimPath application and verify your eligibility.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about ssdi work credits calculator: do you have enough??
TL;DR: You generally need 40 work credits for SSDI, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability. Younger workers need fewer credits. In 2026, you earn one credit per $1,810 in earnings (max 4 credits per year).
How Credits Are Earned?
In 2026, you earn one work credit for every $1,810 in covered earnings, up to 4 credits per year. This means you need to earn at least $7,240 in a year to get the maximum 4 credits. Credits are based on annual earnings, not hours worked.
What should I know about the "recent work" test?
The 20-credits-in-10-years requirement (for workers 31+) is what trips people up most. If you stopped working several years before becoming disabled, you may have lost your "insured status" even if you worked for decades. Your date last insured (DLI) determines the deadline.
What should I know about check your credits?
Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to see your earnings record and estimated credits. This is the first thing you should do before applying. If you discover missing earnings, contact SSA with W-2s or tax returns to correct your record.
What should I know about no work credits? consider ssi?
If you do not have enough work credits for SSDI, you may qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income). SSI has no work history requirement but has income and resource limits. Many people apply for both SSDI and SSI simultaneously.