People who work to support themselves are often proud of their efforts. They usually want to continue their careers until they are ready to retire. Sadly, not everyone achieves that goal. Acquired illnesses, adult-onset congenital conditions and catastrophic injuries can end a professional’s career.
People who have debilitating medical conditions may no longer be able to work to support themselves. Adults who cannot maintain full-time gainful employment may have certain forms of support available to them. Professionals who acquire major medical issues might be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.
SSDI benefits are earned through years of employment. Most full-time workers who have maintained their jobs for years or decades could be eligible for SSDI benefits when they can no longer work because of their medical issues. Are part-time employees ever eligible for SSDI benefits?
Some part-time workers may qualify
The Social Security Administration (SSA) bases SSDI benefit eligibility on two primary factors. The first is the severity of the medical condition. A disabling medical condition typically needs to prevent an individual from maintaining gainful employment.
Those who have to switch careers because of their symptoms are not eligible. They usually have to prove that they cannot work at all. A long-term disability is also necessary. Usually, a condition has to last at least 12 months to be severe enough to qualify.
The second consideration is the work history of the applicant. Typically, anyone over the age of 31 must have at least 40 credits on record with the SSA. People accrue credits through their income. The SSA allows professionals to accrue up to four credits each year.
The amount of income required per credit changes. In 2025, professionals can earn one credit for every $1,810 that they earn. A part-time worker might be eligible for SSDI benefits, especially if they earn more than $7,240 each year. They can theoretically accrue the maximum four credits annually while only working a limited number of hours or for part of the year in a seasonal position.
Professionals who cannot work anymore may need help reviewing their work history and medical records to determine if they are eligible for SSDI benefits. Reviewing eligibility criteria with a skilled legal team can help people determine whether applying for SSDI benefits is a worthwhile undertaking or not given their circumstances.
