SSDI work requirements for people over 50
When seeking Social Security Disability, people over 50 should be aware of special work requirements.
The Social Security Administration manages multiple programs. One of these that many New Jersey residents need is the Social Security Disability Insurance program. This provides financial benefits for people who become disabled and have paid into the system over the course of years of employment.
Information complied by Disability Institute and Cornell University Employment show that between 2005 and 2007, nine percent of New Jersey’s residents between the ages of 16 and 64 were disabled. In Bergen County, nearly seven percent of residents in that same age group were noted as disabled. Of the disabled people in Bergen County, more than 53 percent of them were not in the workforce. It is people in these situations who can need SSDI benefits.
It is possible to become disabled at any age but the Social Security Administration information shows that in 2012, 53 was the average age of persons receiving SSDI benefits . These recipients claimed an average benefit each month of approximately $1,100. Disabled workers represented 87.5 percent of all benefit recipients.
Eligibility criteria specific to workers over 50
Because prior work is required in order to qualify for SSDI, the SSA notes specific durations that must have been worked by disabled persons. A minimum of five years of employment spanning the 10 years that ends at the time that a person was identified as disabled is required for all people 50 years of age or older.
Some more detailed employment criteria is outlined for disabled people between 50 and 60 years old. With every two years of age, the length of time needed to work in order to quality for SSDI extends by six months. Details are as follows:
• People who are 50 or 51 years old need at least seven years of work on record.
• People who are 52 or 53 years old need at least seven years and six months of work on record.
• People who are 54 or 55 years old need at least eight years of work on record.
• People who are 56 or 57 years old need at least eight years and six months of work on record.
• People who are 58 or 59 years old need at least nine years of work on record.
Once 60 years of age is reached, the duration of work needed extends to nine years and six months. Two separate tests are used by the SSA to approve the qualified work.
What disabled workers should do
When tragedy strikes and a person becomes unable to work due to a disability, it is time to seek help. Talking to an attorney is recommended for assistance in filing an SSDI claim.
