One of the most important components of your SSDI application is the work history details. Your work history is the foundation of your eligibility determination. It also factors into the evaluation of your ability to work.
Before you submit an SSDI application, you should understand the role of your work history and how to ensure its accuracy.
Why your work history matters
Eligibility for Social Security disability depends upon an accumulation of work credits. Your work history establishes those credits so that you can pass the initial eligibility screening. In addition, your work history provides a clear picture of your past employment, responsibilities and skills required for previous jobs. This information helps the Social Security Administration assess the transferability of those skills into other types of work that meet your limitations.
Your work history also establishes your earnings history. Accurate income information is essential for determining how much support you will receive if your disability qualifies for benefits.
How you can verify your work history
Gather employment records from your IRS wage and income statements, prior W2 forms and other employment-related records. Compare your available information to your Social Security statements to ensure that all of your information appears accurately. You can access your Social Security statements online for convenience.
According to the Social Security Administration’s annual report highlights, 8.9 million people received disability benefits in 2022. Understanding the role that your accurate work history plays in determining eligibility can help you qualify in the event of a disability. Review your work history carefully before you apply.
