What are the eligibility requirements for applying for Social Security Disability benefits?
Social Security Disability Insurance benefits (SSDI) is an insurance program. You have to pay premiums into the system, through working and paying Social Security taxes, in order to be “insured.” Normally, to be “insured” you must have earned 40 quarters of coverage (approximately 10 years of work) and worked 5 out of the last 10 years. If you are not insured and meet the federal poverty guidelines, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
