2. Who is eligible for this type of Social Security?
In order to qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must meet two main criteria.
Firstly, you need to have worked in Social Security covered employment for a certain period of time. You’ll need to fulfill a “duration of work” test, and the minimum requirement actually depends on your age.
The minimum duration of work required varies from 1.5 years for workers who become disabled before age 28 to 9.5 years of work for workers who become disabled at age 60.
You’ll also need to satisfy a “recent work” test. To put it briefly, you are required to have worked for half of a certain amount of time (depending on your age) immediately prior to your disability.
Secondly, as no surprise, you need to be disabled because Social Security disability benefits are paid out to Americans who can’t work due to a health problem that’s expected to last for at least one year or result in death.
Also, keep in mind that there’s no such thing as “partial disability benefits” or short-term disability benefits from Social Security.
