California residents who are disabled but worked in the past can apply for SSDI in California. SSDI benefits are available to anyone who worked for years and paid into the Social Security system so that they can pay for things like housing, utilities, and food.
When the Social Security Administration looks at your application for SSDI they will look at your medical records and also at your work history. When you’re applying for disability benefits in California your work history and the work credits you’ve earned are just as important as your medical records in determining if your application will be approved.
Understanding Work Credits in California
Work credits are based on the amount of money you made when you were working and how long you worked before you became disabled.
What are Work Credits?
You probably noticed that money was deducted from each paycheck when you were working. Some of the money that was taken from your check was money that was paid into Social Security.
The amount of taxes you pay is based on the amount of money that you earn and how many hours you work. Workers pay into the Social Security system through this tax on their paycheck so that if they become disabled they can apply for disability benefits from the SSA.
You can earn up to 4 work credits per year in California. When you apply for SSDI you will need to prove that you have earned a set number of work credits that are based on your age and how long you have worked.
How Work Credits Are Calculated
The Social Security Administration uses a simple formula to determine how many work credits you can earn and how many years you need to work before you are eligible for SSDI in California.
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.
In most cases you need 40 work credits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before your disability, to be considered eligible for SSDI.
The Role of Work Credits in Disability Benefits
Proving that you are medically disabled is only half the battle when you’re applying for SSDI in California. You also have to show that you earned the amount of work credits required for the amount of years that you’ve been working or that you were able to work.
The SSA wants to be sure that people who can work are working and that only people who truly can’t work are getting SSDI. That’s why they created the work credit requirement as part of the application process for SSDI.
How Many Work Credits Do You Need in California?
If you’re a worker in California 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 California 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.
Older workers are expected to have more work credits because they have had more time to work. The younger you are, the less time you’ve had to work and earn credits, so the required number of credits is lower.
Blind Workers
If you are blind there is a lower number of work credits required to be eligible for SSDI.
Recent Work Test & Duration of Work Test
There are also two tests that you must go through that are required by the SSA. 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 California?
If you are disabled and can’t work but don’t meet the SSA’s work requirements in California you may have other options for support.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI may be an option for individuals in California 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 are close to meeting the work requirements but don’t have quite enough you can apply for SSDI in California. Then, when your application is denied, you can appeal and explain why you are short on credits.
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 California 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 California to get help or ask questions.
