The Social Security Administration of the United States revised the Social Security credit accumulation regulations that will take effect in 2025. A person needs to get Social Security credits to receive benefits from the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. Eligibility for SSDI requires you to understand the guidelines recently established by the Social Security Administration.
How to get Social Security credits in 2025?
Social Security credits are based on your annual income. These credits help determine whether you are eligible for various benefits related to Social Security, including SSDI. The rules for receiving Social Security credits in 2025 are as follows:
- One credit is awarded if your income reaches $1,810.
- Each year individuals can earn no more than 4 credits toward SSI benefits.
- A person earning $7,240 during one year will receive the complete benefit of four credits.
The Social Security Administration requires accurate documentation of your income because it determines your work history and credit count.
Eligibility Rules for SSDI
If you want to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must have enough Social Security credits. Eligibility for SSDI depends mainly on two important tests:
1. Recent Work Test
This test determines whether your recent earnings are sufficient. This test must be met based on your age and the time you became disabled.
2. Duration of Work Test
This test determines how many years you have worked in your lifetime. This determines whether you have worked the minimum number of years required for SSDI.
Number of credits required for SSDI based on your age:
1. If you are under 24 years of age:
- Required credits: At least 6 credits
- Work time: Must have been earned during the last three years, starting when your disability began.
2. If you are between 24 and 31 years of age:
- Required credits: You need half of the credits for the years from 21 to the time your disability began.
- Example: If you are 27 years of age, you need 12 credits (i.e. 3 years of work), because half (3 years) of the total 6 years of work from 21 to 27 is required.
3. If you are 31 years of age or older:
- Required credits: Generally 20 credits, earned in the 10 years immediately before disability began.
The rules were established to verify that SSDI benefits reach those with extensive practical occupational history within the last decade.
Understanding the Duration of Work Test
The Duration of Work Test plays a key role in determining SSDI eligibility. It looks at the age at which disability occurred and the total number of years you have worked up to that time.
| Age at Disability Onset | Years of Work Required |
|---|---|
| Before 28 | 1.5 years |
| 30 | 2 years |
| 34 | 3 years |
| 38 | 4 years |
| 42 | 5 years |
| 44 | 5.5 years |
| 46 | 6 years |
| 48 | 6.5 years |
| 50 | 7 years |
| 52 | 7.5 years |
| 54 | 8 years |
| 56 | 8.5 years |
| 58 | 9 years |
| 60 | 9.5 years |
Some important factors that will help with SSDI eligibility include:
- Continuous work experience: If you work continuously and have an organized work history, your chances of SSDI eligibility increase.
- Accurate earnings records: Make sure all of your earnings and tax records are properly reported to the SSA so that your work credits are counted properly.
- Check for updates: SSDI rules and requirements may change each year, so check regularly for updates issued by the SSA.
If you want to receive SSDI benefits, it is important to understand these new updates and stay informed.
Conclusion:
If you want to get SSDI benefits, it is important that you understand the new Social Security credit rules for 2025.
- You will get 1 credit for earning at least $1,810, and a maximum of 4 credits can be earned in 1 year.
- Social Security rules keep changing from time to time, so it is important to stay updated.
- Those 31 years of age or older need at least 20 credits for SSDI, which have been earned in the 10 years before disability began.
- If you are under 24 years of age, you must have earned 6 credits in the last 3 years.
If you want to apply for SSDI or check the status of your Social Security credits, visit the SSA’s official website (ssa.gov) or contact an experienced Social Security Consultant.
2025 Updates and Important FAQs About SSDI Eligibility
How many work credits are required for SSDI in 2025?
The answer depends on your age.
If you are 31 or older, you must have at least 20 credits (earned in the 10 years before disability began).
If you are under 24, you need 6 credits, earned in the last 3 years.
How much earnings are required to earn one Social Security credit in 2025?
Earning $1,810 in 2025 will earn 1 credit. You must earn $7,240 to earn the full 4 credits.
Do the requirements for Social Security credits change each year?
Yes, the SSA updates the amount of earnings required to earn the credit each year. This change is made keeping in mind the increase in average wages in America. Therefore, it is important to keep getting information from the official website of SSA every year.