The Social Security Administration provides disability benefits to qualifying individuals who cannot work because of a serious disabling condition. There are different programs that you can take advantage of through the Social Security Administration in order to obtain benefits. A Los Angeles disability benefits attorney can help you decide which program is right for you.
What are Social Security Work Credits and Why Do They Matter?
One of the two programs you can obtain disability benefits from is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). In order to be eligible to receive SSDI benefits, you will need to have earned work credits. You earn work credits by earning at least $1,320 as of 2018, according to the Social Security Administration.
You can earn a total of four work credits per year. When you apply for Social Security Disability benefits, if you do not have enough work credits, you will not be eligible for the SSDI program. The specific number of work credits that you are required to have in order to be eligible for SSDI will vary depending upon your age at the time when you became disabled.
SSDI can provide a higher monthly income than the other disability benefits program through the Social Security Administration: Supplemental Security Income. While SSI does not require work credits, it's means tested and you must have limited income and assets to qualify.
If you have earned a sufficient amount of work credits, you can obtain SSDI even if you have assets that you own. because benefits are based on your wages you earned and money you paid in, you may also receive significantly more money through SSDI.
A Los Angeles disability benefits lawyer can help you determine if you've got enough work credits to qualify for SSDI income.