How long do I have to work to qualify for SSDI in South Carolina?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 12/08/2025
How long do I have to work to qualify for SSDI in South Carolina? To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in South Carolina, you must have worked and paid into the Social Security system for a certain period. Typically, this means accumulating enough work credits based on your age and employment history. The minimum work requirement usually involves working about 5 out of the last 10 years before becoming disabled. Your eligibility depends on your age at the time you become disabled, with younger applicants needing fewer credits.
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Understanding Work Credits
To qualify, you need:
- Work credits earned by paying Social Security taxes during your employment.
- Each year of work can earn up to 4 credits, based on income.
- Amount of credits needed varies by your age at disability.
General Timeframe to Qualify
In most cases:
- Adults usually must have about 20 work credits, which equals roughly 5 years of work.
- These credits must have been earned within the last 10 years before disability began.
Credit Requirements by Age
The SSA adjusts requirements based on age, such as:
- Younger workers may need fewer credits to qualify.
- Older applicants usually need more credits, reflecting longer work history.
Partial Disability and Recent Work
Special rules apply when:
- You become disabled shortly after stopping work.
- Recent work credits may enable coverage even if total credits are fewer.
Exceptions and Special Cases
Some situations may affect qualification timeframes:
- Disabled workers under age 24 may qualify with fewer credits.
- Certain disabilities diagnosed at a young age may reduce work requirement.
Checking Your Personal Eligibility
It’s best to:
- Review your Social Security earnings record online for accurate credit count.
- Consult with experts to interpret how credits impact your SSDI application.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we guide South Carolina residents on how long you must work to qualify for SSDI by:
- Assessing your work history and Social Security credits to determine your eligibility timeline.
- Explaining the impact of your age and disability onset date on qualification requirements.
- Helping you gather necessary documentation of employment and Social Security tax contributions.
- Advising on how to maximize your chances of approval based on your employment record and SSDI rules.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you have questions about how long you need to work to qualify for SSDI in South Carolina, contact Hogan Smith for a free consultation. Our team offers clear guidance on work credit requirements and will help you navigate the SSDI application process with confidence.
Further Reading
Updated February 10, 2025
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