As a general rule of thumb, if you have worked regularly in the previous five years you will be eligible for SSDI. SSDI requires you have quarters of coverage, so minimum earnings in each year. In 2024 the minimum earnings for a quarter of coverage is $1,730. So if you earned at least $6,920 during the year, you have four quarters of coverage. It does not matter if you earn all of the income in one quarter, so long as it is $6,920 or more, you will get four quarters of coverage. You must have 40 quarters total in your lifetime, and 20 quarters of coverage in the previous ten years to be eligible for SSDI, and you can earn a maximum of four per year.
If you are not eligible for SSDI, you may be eligible for SSI. SSI does not have quarter requirements, but it does have income and asset requirements. If you, or someone in your household, are working or have more than $2,000 in the bank for an individual and $3,000 for a couple, it can impact your eligibility for SSI.
