Can You Qualify for Disability if you did not work much?Yes, you may qualify for disability benefits if you have not worked much. Of course, if you have not worked at all, or have worked very little, or have not been employed for quite some time, you may not be insured for Social Security Disability. If this is the case, you may qualify for title 16 Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a need-based program that requires no insured status, as it is based strictly upon need. Social Security actually has two disability programs, Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income. Social Security Disability, also known as title II DIB (disability insurance benefits) depends on your insured status. Insured status is acquired through your earnings each year. What do I mean by this? Your insured status, i.e. eligibility to receive social security retirement or Social Security Disability, is acquired through quarters of coverage, which are based upon your earnings each year. SSI disability benefits provide coverage for minor-age children and adults who have lost their insured status for Social Security Disability. It also provides supplemental income for those who are eligible to receive Social Security Disability, but would only receive a small monthly benefit check. Although SSI does not require that you be insured, it does require certain income and resource levels. In other words, to qualify for disability under the SSI program, you cannot be working and earning more than what is considered a substantial gainful income. You also cannot have more than two thousand dollars in assets. Individuals who qualify for Social Security Disability do not have an asset limitation. However, to be eligible for SSD (and SSI), you cannot be working and earning a substantial and gainful income. To qualify for disability benefits in either program, you must satisfy the social security administration definition of disability which states that your condition must be severe, have lasted (or be projected to last) a full year, and must prevent you from being able to work and earn a substantial and gainful income. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: Apply Social Security Disability in Henderson NC How to qualify for disability - The Process of Qualifying for Benefits To qualify for Social Security Disability or SSI, how severe must a condition be? Can You Qualify for Disability if you did not work much? How Do You Qualify For Disability without Money To Go To the Doctor? The Qualification Criteria for Social Security Disability What If You Did Not Work Long Enough To Qualify For Disability? Qualifying for disability benefits with the social security administration Qualifying for Disability - What is Social Security Looking for? Do You Qualify For Social Security Disability Insurance? What do you Need to Prove to Qualify for Disability Benefits? What kind of Mental Problems Qualify for Disability? Do You Have To Qualify For SSI Financially? How does work qualify you for disability? (work credits) How much SSI will I get in Colorado? How long does it take to get disability in Colorado? How much does disability pay in Colorado? |
