Who can get Social Security disability benefits?

Rules for work needed for the “recent work test”

If you become disabled... Then you generally need:

In or before the quarter you turn age 24

1.5 years of work during the three-year period ending with the quarter your disability began.

In the quarter after you turn age 24 but before the quarter you turn age 31

1.5 years of work during the three-year period ending with the quarter your disability began.

In the quarter you turn age 31 or later

Work during five years out of the 10-year period ending with the quarter your disability began.

Examples of work needed for the "duration of work" test

If you become disabled...Then you generally need:
Before Age 28...1.5 years of work
Age 30...2 years
Age 34...3 years
Age 38...4 years
Age 42...5 years
Age 44...5.5 years
Age 46...6 years
Age 48...6.5 years
Age 50...7 years
Age 52...7.5 years
Age 54...8 years
Age 56...8.5 years
Age 58...9 years
Age 60...9.6 years