There may be few things in life as harrowing as losing your ability to perform everyday tasks or maintain gainful employment in Minnesota. The onset of a physical or mental health condition could disrupt your life in various ways and leave you with questions about the next steps to take to help safeguard your future.
The Social Security Disability Insurance program is a tool that could help provide you with much needed benefits, but there may be numerous requirements to meet before qualifying for aid. One topic that could influence your eligibility for SSDI benefits could pertain to your SSDI work credits.
What are work credits?
While experts indicate that work credits may play an integral role in the SSDI process, you might not even be sure what this means or what acts to measure these credits. Some tips to help you navigate this process could include:
- Earning credits: Experts indicate that the SSA bases your work credits on your yearly income, and how much you make in a year may dictate how many credits you earn.
- Yearly limits: It may be helpful to know that you can only earn up to four work credits each year, and you could earn the full amount possible in a year by making just over $5,600.
- Amount required: The amount of work credits required to be eligible for SSDI benefits may differ depending on your age, and knowing how this might affect your situation could prove imperative.
- Self-employed: Even if self-employed, you may still gain work credits by paying taxes on your income, but it may also be helpful to note that the percentage you pay into Social Security taxes may be higher on average.
If you do not meet the work credit requirements, there may still be additional avenues of aid, such as Supplemental Security Income.
Seeking benefits
Knowing the role work credits might play in SSDI claims could prove vital to preparing to file an initial claim for benefits. However, this may only be one vital factor involved, and understanding every aspect of the process may play an integral role in seeking a favorable outcome.
With so much at stake, it might be in your best interests to seek guidance on what to expect from the process from someone with intricate knowledge in such matters. Such a decision could help place you in a better position to protect your future by seeking the full amount of benefits achievable.
