In order to get Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Title II, generally the most common form of disability people are looking to get, you must meet two different earnings tests: recent work test and duration of work.
1. A recent work test, based on your age at the time you developed a disability.
For the recent work test, the rules are based on quarters, Jan 1-March 31; April 1-June 30; July 1-September 30; Oct 1 - Dec 31
Examples:
If developed disability in or before the quarter you turned 24, you generally need 1.5 years of work during the three years ending with the quarter you developed disability....24 to 31: work 1/2 the time after age 21, in the quarter you turn age 31 or later (most people applying fall under this category), work five years out of the ten year ending with the quarter you developed a disability.
*Workers who are blind only have to meet the duration of work test.
2. A duration of work test to show that you worked long enough under Social Security.
For the duration test, you must have a minimum of six quarters of coverage, this includes younger individuals. It goes up from there, so depends on your age for the duration test. Examples: if develop disability before 28, you need at least 1.5 years of work. If developed at age 50, then 7 years are needed to meet the duration test. Age 56 needs 8.5 years of work to meet this second requirement, also called the duration of work test. Age 60 needs 9.5 years of work.
Sometimes this gets complicated, you can call our office for a free, no obligation, confidential consultation. Main office number is 317-348-1800.