Who is eligible to receive Social Security disability benefits?
If you are “disabled” and have worked a sufficient number of quarters during your work history, you may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits. You are considered “disabled” if you have physical or mental impairments which prevent you from engaging in “substantial gainful activity”. Your “disability” must be expected to last for a minimum of 12 months or expected to result in death. These rules are covered at 20 CFR 404, Subpart P. If you become disabled before age 24, you must have worked at least six quarters in the three years before the disability began in order to qualify. If you become disabled at any time from 24 to age 30, you must have worked at least 2 the quarters which passed between age 21 and the time your disability began. If you became disabled after age 31, you must have one quarter of work for each year after your 21st birthday and before the year in which the disability began. In addition, you must have worked at least 20 quarters in the ten years before
