How long do I have to work to qualify for SSDI in Ohio?

By Hogan Smith

Updated 12/05/2025

How long do I have to work to qualify for SSDI in Ohio? To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Ohio, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a sufficient amount of time. This period is measured in work credits, which depend on your age at the time you become disabled. Generally, most adults need about 20 work credits within the last 10 years, but younger workers may require fewer credits. Your earnings determine how many credits you earn each year, with a maximum of 4 credits annually.

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Understanding Work Credits in Ohio

SSDI eligibility depends on:

  • Work credits are earned by paying Social Security taxes through your paychecks.
  • You can earn up to 4 credits annually, based on your income.
  • Amount needed varies depending on your age at disability onset.
General Work Credit Requirements

To qualify, typically:

  • Most adults need 20 credits earned in the last 10 years before becoming disabled.
  • The SSA looks at your entire recent work history to confirm eligibility.
Requirements for Younger Workers

Those disabled at a younger age may require fewer credits:

  • The younger you are, the fewer credits are needed to qualify.
  • This helps accommodate disabilities occurring early in your working life.
Importance of Recent Work

Your work must be recent enough to still count:

  • Old credits may expire if you haven’t worked recently.
  • This ensures you were actively involved in the workforce before disability.
How the SSA Verifies Work Credits

The SSA reviews:

  • W-2 forms and tax records that prove earnings.
  • Your Social Security earnings history for proper credit assignment.
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Exceptions and Special Cases

In some cases:

  • Disabled younger workers may qualify under special rules.
  • You may get help if your disability onset date is delayed due to medical reasons.

How Hogan Smith Can Help

At Hogan Smith, we guide Ohio residents through the process of meeting SSDI work credit requirements by:

  • Evaluating your employment history and Social Security records to confirm you qualify based on work credits.
  • Explaining the credit needed based on your age and disability onset date.
  • Helping gather and organize needed documentation to prove your work and earnings history.
  • Providing strong representation to ensure your SSDI claim is fully supported and processed efficiently.

Contact Hogan Smith Today

If you have questions about how long you need to work to qualify for SSDI in Ohio, contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. Our experienced team will help you understand the work credit rules and guide you through the SSDI application process with confidence.

Further Reading

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Updated February 10, 2025

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Updated February 10, 2025

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Updated February 10, 2025

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