DO I NEED A WORK HISTORY OR NOT?

Here's one from our question bag.  We hope it helps someone with a similar question.

 "I am confused.  I've been told I can't qualify for Social Security disability benefits because I never worked.  Yet, I know people who never worked who are getting disability benefits from Social Security.  What's the story?"

The truth is that the Social Security Administration administers two different disability programs and each has different requirements.

One program is called Title 2, or simply "Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)."  These benefits are available only to workers who have accumulated a sufficient number of "quarters of coverage" by working and paying FICA taxes into the Social Security Disability Trust Fund.  Generally, an individual would need to have earned about 10 quarters of coverage out of the most recent 20 quarters to be "insured" or covered.  That might be different for younger workers.  But certainly a person who never worked would not have "insured" status and would not be able to receive disability benefits under Title 2 (the regular Social Security disability program).  

The other program is Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs based program for elderly OR blind or disabled persons with low income and few financial resources.  SSI does not require any work history or any "quarters of coverage."  To receive SSI payments, an individual must meet certain financial requirements AND either medical impairments (disability or blindness) or qualify because of advanced age.  But he or she is not required to have a work record for SSI payments.

Since both SSDI (Title 2) and SSI (Title XVI) are both administered by the Social Security Administration, the two programs can be confused.

So, back to the question.  Must a person have a work history in order to receive Social Security disability benefits?

Yes - under Title 2 (SSDI)
No - under Title XVI (SSI)

There are other important differences between SSDI and SSI.  For example, the federal maximum disability benefit (non-blind) under SSDI for 2015 is $2,663 month.  The federal maximum benefit under the SSI program (non-blind) is $733 per month.  Blind individuals may receive higher SSI payments.

 Thus, there may be a big advantage to filing for SSDI (Title 2) benefits, in addition to SSI benefits, if an individual has insured status (has a work record to support a SSDI claim).  If an individual has no work record, or if the work record is not sufficient to support an SSDI claim, he or she may still be able to file an SSI claim.
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DISCLAIMER:  The Forsythe Firm is not affiliated with the US Social Security Administration or any Government agency.  The information presented here is for general information only.  No one should rely on this information without checking with a professional or contacting the Social Security Administration to check out his or her individual circumstances.  This is not intended to be legal advice.

 

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