The number of work credits you need to qualify for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled.  Also, the credits must have been earned within a certain time period. Generally, you need 20 credits earned in the last 10 years, ending with the year you become disabled.

Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.  For example:

• A worker who becomes disabled before age 24 needs to have earned six credits in the three-year period ending when disability starts.
•  A worker who becomes disabled between age 24 to age 31 needs to have credits for half the time between age 21 and the time disability starts. If disability starts at age 27, the worker would need credit for three years of work (12 credits)) out of the past six years between age 21 and age 27.

For additional information, Social Security recommends that you read the Social Security Administration’s publication, Disability (Social Security Administration Publication No.05-10029)