ARE YOU COVERED BY SOCIAL SECURITY?

Not everyone is covered by Social Security disability.  The Social Security Act covers only workers who have earned enough work credits to be insured.

In 2018, one work credit is earned for any calendar quarter in which the worker earns wages of at least $1,320.  For example, if you earn wages of $1,320 between January 1, 2018 and March 30, 2018, you receive 1 quarter of coverage.

For past years, the amount of earnings for one quarter of coverage would be less.  For instance, in 1990, you were only required to earn $520 for 1 credit of work.  In 2000, this was $780.  If you go back to 1978, the amount was only $250.  So, the amount of work needed for 1 quarter of coverage varied year to year.

Most people need 40 quarters of work to be covered by Social Security disability.  Thus, out of the most recent 10 year period, an individual should have worked 5 years.

Disability coverage can disappear.  Many people don't realize that work credits disappear over the years if they stop working.  

Take the case of Madge, who began working right out of high school in 1972.  By 1978, she had enough work credits to be covered by Social Security disability insurance.  But in 1979, Madge stopped working to raise a family.  On December 31, 1984, Madge became uninsured for disability benefits. She lost her work credits.
"But I know someone who never worked a day in his life and he gets a Social Security check every month...."

This is possible because Social Security operates a program called Supplemental Security Income or SSI which does not require work credits.  But this is NOT the Social Security disability program (SSDI).  SSI is a type of welfare program that provides benefits for persons of very low income who are either elderly or disabled.  The benefits under SSI are much lower than under Title 2 or SSDI.  

What is the maximum monthly benefit under Title II or SSDI?  The answer is $2,788.

What is the maximum monthly benbefit under SSI?  The answere is $759.