Working professionals make regular contributions to Social Security. Those in direct-hire employment arrangements rely on their employers to withhold funds for their federal tax responsibilities, including Social Security obligations. Self-employed professionals, such as independent contractors and small business owners, make estimated payments to cover their Social Security obligations and federal tax responsibilities every few months.
A professional’s work history may allow them to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits later in life. They may also be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if they develop debilitating medical conditions. SSDI benefits are not an entitlement program. They are earned benefits associated with employment.
An adequate work history is one of the standard requirements for SSDI eligibility. How much work history does the Social Security Administration (SSA) typically require from those seeking SSDI benefits?
Most professionals need years of gainful employment to qualify
The SSA utilizes a credit-based program for determining SSDI benefits eligibility. Using credits to track contributions allows the SSE to adjust eligibility based on average wages and other economic factors that change over time.
Professionals making Social Security contributions can turn up to four credits each year. In 2025, the SSA awards one credit for every $1,810 of taxable income, up to the maximum four credits granted. Any applicant over the age of 31 typically needs to have at least 40 credits or 10 years of work history to be eligible for SSDI benefits. They also need a recent work history. Typically, they need to have earned at least 20 of their credits within the last decade.
There is a sliding scale that applies to younger workers. Depending on their age, they may need to show that they have worked for half of the time since they turned 21. Other times, the youngest workers who developed debilitating medical conditions may only need to have six credits on record.
In addition to an adequate work history, SSDI applicants also need the appropriate paperwork and adequate medical documentation affirming their debilitating health condition. Reviewing personal circumstances can help people determine if they are likely to qualify for SSDI benefits. Applicants who have support are less likely to make mistakes or oversights that delay their approval for benefits.