Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can feel confusing, especially if you’ve never worked or paid Social Security taxes. Many people wonder if benefits are available for those who don’t have a work history. The short answer is yes, in some cases you can qualify — but usually not through SSDI itself. Instead, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), another disability program managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
In this post, we’ll break down how these programs work, the difference between SSDI and SSI, and what options may be available if you’ve never worked.
Understanding SSDI and Work Credits
SSDI is based on your work history. To qualify, you must have worked in jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. The SSA measures this using something called “work credits.”
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You earn work credits when you work and pay Social Security taxes. In 2025, you earn one credit for each $1,730 in wages or self-employment income.
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Most people need 40 work credits to qualify for SSDI, and 20 of those must be earned in the 10 years before you became disabled.
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Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
If you’ve never worked, you won’t have these credits. That usually means you cannot qualify for SSDI on your own record.
What Is SSI and How Is It Different?
If you haven’t worked, you may still qualify for SSI (Supplemental Security Income). Unlike SSDI, SSI does not depend on work history. Instead, it is designed for people with:
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Very limited income,
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Few financial resources, and
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A disability that prevents them from working.
To get SSI, you must meet both the medical disability rules and the financial rules. In 2025, the federal SSI payment standard is about $967 per month for an individual.
Disability Benefits for Children and Young Adults
If you are under 18 and disabled, you may be able to receive SSI benefits even if you’ve never worked. The SSA looks at your parents’ income and resources to decide if you qualify.
For young adults who become disabled before the age of 22, there is also something called “Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits.” These are based on a parent’s work record. If a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased, you may qualify for benefits through them.
Common Questions About Never Working and Disability
Can I Get SSDI on My Spouse’s Work Record?
No, SSDI is only based on your own work history. However, you may qualify for spousal or survivor benefits through other Social Security programs if your spouse has worked.
Can I Apply for Both SSDI and SSI?
Yes. This is called a “concurrent claim.” If you don’t have enough work credits for SSDI, you might still get SSI. The SSA will review your application for both programs.
Do Children with Disabilities Qualify for SSI?
Yes, children with significant disabilities can often qualify for SSI if their family meets income and resource rules.
Evidence You Need for SSI
Even if you’ve never worked, you still need to prove you meet the SSA’s definition of disability. The SSA requires:
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Medical records from doctors or hospitals,
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Test results (like MRIs, blood tests, or nerve studies),
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Statements from doctors about your ability to work,
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Records of daily limitations (difficulty walking, standing, focusing, etc.).
Without strong evidence, your claim may be denied.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
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Challenge 1: Many applicants don’t understand the difference between SSDI and SSI.
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Solution: File the application and let SSA communicate which programs you may qualify for or, ask a disability lawyer for a free consultation on your claim.
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Challenge 2: Denials for lack of medical evidence.
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Solution: Keep seeing your doctor, follow medical treatment, and keep copies of all records.
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Challenge 3: Financial rules for SSI.
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Solution: Be honest about your income and resources. If you have more than the allowed amount, you will not qualify.
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How a Disability Lawyer Can Help
At Collins Price, we help clients every day who feel stuck and overwhelmed by Social Security’s rules. If you’ve never worked, you may not know whether to apply for SSDI, SSI, or both. Our job is to:
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Explain your options in plain language,
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Help you gather strong medical evidence,
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Handle appeals if your first application is denied, and
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Guide you every step of the way.
Contact a Local Social Security Disability Lawyer at Collins Price, PLLC
If you have questions about whether you qualify, contact Collins Price today for a free consultation on your claim. There’s never any fee for our services unless we win your claim, and no obligation to hire us following the free consultation.
