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WHO IS COVERED BY THE SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PROGRAM?

Not everyone is covered by Social Security's disability program.  You are only covered if you have worked long enough, and recently enough, and earned the minimum number of "quarters of coverage."  So, the SSDI program is for covered workers, not the general public.

What is a "quarter of coverage"?  A quarter represents one quarter (3 months) on the calendar. For example, the first quarter of a year runs from January through March.

How much do I need to earn to get one quarter of coverage?  The amount of earnings required is based on the national average wage index and changes year to year.  Below are some years and the amount of earnings needed to earn 1 quarter of coverage?

YEAR               EARNINGS REQUIRED FOR 1 QUARTER

1980                  $290
1990                  $520
2014                  $1200
2017                  $1300
2018                  $1320

Remember, these earnings represent the wages earned in a 3-month period or 1 quarter.  For example, in 1980 if you earned at least $290 in any calendar quarter, you earned 1 quarter of coverage with Social Security.

Do my earnings have to be recent?  For example, I worked for several years but stopped working when my first child was born back in 2010.  Do my work credits "cary over"?

Yes and no.  Generally, you need to have earned 40 quarters of coverage during the most recent 10 year period.  A rule of thumb:  If you haven't worked in more than about 5 years, you may have lost your SSDI insured status (are not covered).  This rule is different for very young workers.  Check with your local Social Security office to see if you have enough work credits to file an SSDI (called "Title 2") claim.

I have been approved for SSDI benefits and began receiving a disability check on 6/1/17.  However, my "date last insured" with Social Security is 12/31/19.  Will my benefits stop at the end of 2019?

No.  The date last insured refers to filing a NEW disability claim.  Once you are approved for benefits before the date last insured, that date means nothing.  You will continue to receive benefits as long as you remain disabled.

I have questions about whether I am still insured for SSDI benefits? What should I do?  Contact a Social Security office and ask them or call the national number at 1-800-772-1213.

 If you need representation to help you get SSDI benefits (it isn't easy), please call me at the Forsythe Firm in Huntsville.  (256) 799-0297.  Free case evaluations, never a fee unless you win.

 SOCIAL SECURITY JUSTICE: THE FORSYTHE FIRM

  
 

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