What is SSDI “Insured Status”? | Beacon Disability

Have you been wondering what insured status means in the context of a Social Security Disability claim?

My name is Kaitlin Wildoner and I’m an attorney who helps disabled clients obtain their disability benefits as quickly as possible so they can focus on getting better.

SSDI is a federal insurance program that provides benefits to individuals who become disabled and unable to work. In order to receive SSDI benefits, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. This includes having insured status. To be considered insured under SSDI, you must have earned enough credits through your work history. These credits – also known as quarters of coverage – are earned by paying Social Security taxes on your earnings. The number of credits required to be considered insured depends on your age at the time of disability. However, we generally say that you need 20 quarters of coverage in the most recent 40 quarters. This often means that you will need to have worked and paid into the Social Security system for five of the last 10 years.

In 2023, you could earn one quarter of coverage for every $1,640 you earn in covered earnings. However, you can only earn four quarters of coverage each year. This means that in 2023, once you earned $6,560 in covered earnings for the year, you will have earned your four quarters for the year.

In 2024, you earn one quarter of coverage for every $1,730 you earn in covered earnings. This means that once you have earned $6,920 in covered earnings for the year, you have earned your four quarters for the year.

In addition to having enough credits, you must also meet the definition of disability as defined by the Social Security Administration. This means that your disability must be severe enough to prevent you from engaging in any substantial gainful activity and your disability must have already lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

It’s important to note that having insured status does not guarantee that you will be approved for SSDI benefits. The Social Security Administration will review your case to determine if you meet all eligibility requirements, including the definition of disability.

In sum, insured status refers to having enough credits through your work history to be eligible for SSDI benefits. The number of credits required depends on your age at the time of disability. Finally, you must also meet the definition of disability as defined by the Social Security Administration.

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