1. SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PROGRAMS -ADVANCED CARDS Flashcards
Scenario:
John is applying for SSDI and has 35 work credits. He stopped working 15 years ago. He believes the SSA will use his entire work history to determine eligibility.
Question:
Can John qualify for SSDI based on his 35 work credits?
Answer:
No, John cannot qualify because he does not have 20 credits earned within the 10 years preceding his disability.
Explanation:
To qualify for SSDI, a claimant must meet the “recent work test”. This requires having earned at least 20 work credits in the 10 years immediately before the disability begins.
Key Resource: SSA Red Book (2025) – Work credits and recent work test.
Key Takeaway:
SSDI eligibility requires meeting both the total and recent work credit tests, with at least 20 credits earned within the last 10 years.
Scenario:
Emma earns $1,460 per month in 2025 and claims she is still eligible for SSDI because she hasn’t worked full-time since her disability began.
Question:
Does Emma qualify under the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) rule?
Answer:
No, Emma’s earnings exceed the 2025 SGA limit of $1,470 for non-blind individuals, disqualifying her from SSDI eligibility.
Explanation:
SSA uses the SGA limit to evaluate whether work activity is substantial. Earnings above this threshold generally indicate ineligibility for SSDI.
Key Resource: CFR §404.1574 – SGA thresholds.
Key Takeaway:
Non-blind individuals earning over $1,470/month in 2025 exceed the SGA threshold and are typically ineligible for SSDI.
Scenario:
Mark receives SSDI and begins part-time work, earning $1,050 per month in 2025. He is concerned this will end his benefits.
Question:
Does Mark’s income affect his SSDI benefits?
Answer:
No, Mark’s income does not affect his SSDI benefits because his earnings are below the SGA threshold of $1,470 for 2025.
Explanation:
Income below the SGA threshold is not considered substantial. Mark can continue receiving SSDI benefits.
Key Resource: SSA Red Book (2025) – SGA thresholds for non-blind beneficiaries.
Key Takeaway:
Earnings below the SGA threshold do not affect SSDI eligibility.
Scenario:
Sara applies for SSI in 2025 and has $2,300 in savings. She argues this does not affect her eligibility because she uses the funds for medical bills.
Question:
Does Sara qualify for SSI based on the resource limit?
Answer:
No, Sara’s savings exceed the SSI resource limit of $2,000 for individuals in 2025, making her ineligible.
Explanation:
SSI is a needs-based program, and resources above $2,000 disqualify individuals, regardless of how the funds are used.
Key Resource: CFR §416.1205 – SSI resource limits.
Key Takeaway:
SSI eligibility requires countable resources to remain below $2,000 for individuals in 2025.
Scenario:
How many work credits are required to qualify for SSDI at age 50?
Question:
What is the minimum number of work credits required?
Answer:
20 work credits.
Explanation:
For SSDI eligibility, individuals aged 31 and older must have at least 20 credits earned within the last 10 years.
Key Resource: SSA Red Book (2025) – Work credit requirements.
Key Takeaway:
Claimants aged 31 and older must have 20 work credits earned within the last 10 years to qualify for SSDI.
Scenario:
What is the SGA limit for blind individuals in 2025?
Question:
How much can blind beneficiaries earn without exceeding SGA?
Answer:
$2,460 per month.
Explanation:
Blind individuals have a higher SGA threshold than non-blind individuals, reflecting the challenges specific to their impairments.
Key Resource: SSA Red Book (2025) – SGA thresholds for blind beneficiaries.
Key Takeaway:
The SGA threshold for blind individuals in 2025 is $2,460 per month.
Scenario:
Jack worked for 15 years, earning 40 work credits. After being unemployed for 12 years, he becomes disabled and applies for SSDI.
Question:
Does Jack qualify for SSDI?
Answer:
No, Jack does not qualify because he fails the recent work test, which requires earning 20 credits in the 10 years before becoming disabled.
Explanation:
The recent work test ensures that claimants remain connected to the workforce. Jack’s long period of unemployment disqualifies him despite his total work credits.
Key Resource: CFR §404.130 – Work credit requirements.
Key Takeaway:
Claimants must meet both the total and recent work credit tests for SSDI eligibility.
Scenario:
Amy, 25, applies for SSDI after a car accident. She has 8 work credits, all earned in the past 3 years.
Question:
Does Amy qualify for SSDI based on her work history?
Answer:
Yes, Amy qualifies because she meets the “younger worker” rule, which requires 6 credits earned in the 3 years before becoming disabled.
Explanation:
Younger workers have reduced work credit requirements, reflecting their shorter work history.
Key Resource: SSA Red Book (2025) – Work credit requirements for younger workers.
Key Takeaway:
Workers under age 31 can qualify for SSDI with fewer work credits based on their age.
