How long do I have to work to qualify for SSDI in Texas?
By Hogan Smith
Updated 12/08/2025
How long do I have to work to qualify for SSDI in Texas? To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits in Texas, you need to have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain amount of time before becoming disabled. Generally, the number of work credits required depends on your age at the time your disability begins. Most adults must have earned about 20 work credits within the last 10 years, with a total of at least 40 credits in their lifetime. These credits represent the amount of time you’ve contributed to Social Security through employment.
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Work Credit Basics for SSDI in Texas
To qualify for SSDI, you must have earned:
- Work credits by paying Social Security taxes through employment.
- Credits relate to the amount of years worked and earned wages.
- Each year you can earn up to
.
Age-Based Credit Requirements
The SSA uses your age at disability onset to determine:
- How many total credits you need overall.
- More credits are required if you are under 24.
- Adults typically need around 40 credits, with half earned in the last 10 years.
Recent Work Determines Eligibility
Social Security expects you to have:
- Earned enough credits recently to show ongoing employment.
- Most adults must have 20 credits in the 10 years before becoming disabled.
- This proves you contributed to the system close to when disability began.
Exceptions for Younger Applicants
If you’re younger than 24:
- Fewer credits are required, sometimes just
in the last 3 years. - This accommodates those who recently entered the workforce.
Consult the SSA for Personal Credit Requirements
Because the credit requirements vary:
- Check your Social Security Statement for details.
- Consider consulting with an expert to review your work history and credit status.
Common Reasons for SSDI Denial Related to Work History
Be aware of these pitfalls:
- Insufficient work credits based on your age.
- Long gaps in employment with no recent Social Security contributions.
- Failure to clearly document when your disability began in relation to your work history.
How Hogan Smith Can Help
At Hogan Smith, we help Texans navigate SSDI qualification by:
- Reviewing your work history to confirm if you have the necessary credits to qualify for SSDI.
- Explaining how your age and employment timeline affect the number of credits needed.
- Assisting in gathering and organizing your employment records to support your SSDI claim.
- Providing expert advice to address any work credit gaps or challenges in proving eligibility.
Contact Hogan Smith Today
If you’re unsure about how long you need to work to qualify for SSDI in Texas, contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. Our knowledgeable team will evaluate your employment history and guide you through the qualification process, ensuring that your claim for Social Security Disability Insurance stands the best chance of success.
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