Q: i've been denied ssdi twice due to lack of required amount of work credits. is there a way around this to get ssdi?
A: Knowing the rules Social Security uses regarding work credits and insured status should help you. The number of work credits you need for SSDI disability benefits depends on how old you are when your disability began, so your alleged onset of disability can make a difference. For example, if you are disabled before age 24, you generally need 11⁄2 years of work (6 credits) in the 3 years before your disability began. Compare that to being disabled when you are age 31 or older, then you generally need at least 20 credits in the 10 years immediately before your disability began. So, if you have the medical and other evidence to prove disability at a younger age, you may have the work credits to qualify. Here is a starting place for you at https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10072.pdf. I would also encourage you to get your earnings record from your My Social Security account and make sure that all your earnings, including self-employment, are properly credited to you. If they are not, get your W-2 or other evidence to prove your earnings and ask Social Security to correct your earnings record. See https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10081.pdf. It would also be a good idea for you to consult with an experienced disability lawyer to discuss your case before you file for SSDI disability again.
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