How To Know If You Are Insured Under The Social Security Disability Program
by Linda Ershow-Levenberg, Certified Elder Law Attorney (C.E.L.A.)
February 2011
Before you file an initial application for Social Security Disability benefits, you must make sure that you are insured under that program.
- You have to have paid into the SS system for at least 40 calendar quarters, and at least 20 calendar quarters must have been during the 10 years immediately preceding the date of onset of the disability.
- If you were working “off the books,” you will find that you didn’t earn any “quarter of coverage” during those times.
- If you are younger than 31, fewer quarters are required.
The chart of required quarters can be found at http://www.ssa.gov/retire2/credits3.htm .
Also, the “date of onset” of your disability – when you were no longer working due to disability – must be within 5 years of the last date you paid into the Social Security system.
You need to verify that you have acquired sufficient quarters and that you are insured under the SS Disability program. You can go to your local Social Security office in New Jersey, or obtain a copy of your SS earnings record, to verify this information.
Find your local Social Security Office online or call 1-800-772-1213 to verify you are insured.
To make an appointment or speak to an attorney about SSI, estate planning and Special Needs Trusts, call 732-382-6070 or contact us online.