Can I Get SSDI Benefits if I Never Worked?

 Posted on March 10, 2025 in Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program designed to provide financial assistance to people whose disabilities prevent them from working. However, SSDI is funded through payroll taxes, so applicants typically need a work history in which they paid into the Social Security system to be eligible. SSDI is not typically made available to people who never worked, but other options, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), may provide financial assistance for disabled individuals without a work history. To review your options, speak with a knowledgeable Plano, TX SSDI lawyer.

What Are the SSDI Work Credit Requirements?

When you pay Social Security taxes through employment, you earn something called a work credit, which is based on your yearly earnings. In 2025, a worker earns one credit for every $1,730 in wages, with a maximum of four credits per year. There is a minimum required number of work credits you must earn to qualify for SSDI, depending on your age when you become disabled.

• If you are 31 or older, you generally need at least 20 credits earned in the last 10 years.
• If you are between 24 and 31, you typically need credits for working at least half the time that has passed since you turned 21.
• If you are younger than 24, you might only need to have earned six credits in the three years before your disability began.

When Can You Receive SSDI Through a Family Member’s Work Record?

You cannot receive SSDI on your own if you have never worked, but you might qualify based on a family member’s work history. For example:

Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Benefits

Someone who became disabled before turning 22 may be able to receive benefits based on a parent’s Social Security record. The parent must be retired, disabled, or deceased for this to happen.

Survivor Benefits

If a parent or spouse who was eligible for Social Security has passed away, you may qualify for benefits as a survivor if you meet certain criteria.

How Else Can You Receive Benefits if You Never Worked?

People who have no work history and do not qualify for SSDI through a family member might be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This differs from SSDI in that it is a needs-based program providing financial aid to people with disabilities and limited resources. While there are strict income and asset limits to qualify, there is no requirement for work credits earned.

Get Help with Your Disability Benefits Claim by Contacting a Collin County, TX SSDI Lawyer

If you have questions about SSDI, SSI, or other disability benefits, a Dallas, TX Social Security disability attorney can help you understand your options. Whether you are applying for the first time or appealing a denial, legal representation can improve your chances of receiving the benefits you need. At The Law Offices of Coats & Todd, we are dedicated to ensuring that our clients’ rights are protected and that they receive the benefits they are entitled to. Call us at 972-671-9922 to schedule a free consultation.