If you are unable to work due to a severe physical or mental impairment, you may be wondering if you are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and how long you need to work to qualify for SSDI benefits.

To be eligible for SSDI, you must have a certain number of work credits, which are earned through your employment or self-employment. The number of work credits you need to qualify for SSDI depends on your age when you became disabled.

The SSA uses a formula to determine the number of work credits you need to qualify for SSDI based on your age. Generally, the younger you are when you become disabled, the fewer work credits you need to qualify for SSDI. The SSA considers you to be fully insured for SSDI if you have earned a certain number of work credits within a certain time frame, depending on your age.

The following are the work credit requirements for SSDI based on your age:

If you are younger than 24 years old, you need to have earned at least six work credits within the three-year period ending when your disability began.
If you are between the ages of 24 and 31, you need to have earned a certain number of work credits within the time frame that is determined by your age when your disability began.
If you are 31 years old or older, you need to have earned a certain number of work credits within the 10-year period ending when your disability began.
It is important to note that the work credit requirements for SSDI are subject to change each year, so it is a good idea to check the current requirements before applying for SSDI.

In addition to meeting the work credit requirements for SSDI, you must also meet the following eligibility requirements:

You must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a severe physical or mental impairment. SGA is defined as earning more than a certain amount each month, which is subject to change each year.
Your impairment must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.
If you meet the work credit and eligibility requirements for SSDI, you may be able to receive disability benefits based on your own work record. If you do not have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, you may still be able to receive disability benefits based on the work record of a family member, such as a spouse or parent, if they are receiving SSDI benefits or are fully insured for SSDI.

It is important to note that the SSA has strict guidelines for determining SSDI eligibility, and it is not always easy to qualify for SSDI. If you are considering applying for SSDI, it is a good idea to speak with a representative from the SSA or a qualified attorney to understand the eligibility requirements and how they may apply to your specific situation.