Yes I am beginning to understand this. There was real concern with my case. I took off time to be in a trial study. this was a long trial study, and I was an at home artisian. I was down to what ever conditions there were, with having to prove the past so many months of work. I did slide in. I personally don't think your work credits should expire. Sometimes in the middle of a career, you do have to stop. That is what I did. I made money and put in but it was close. Why is it set up like this? I was unable to get health insurance because of the system to begin with. I get very little as I could not stay healthy. I am just glad I got the benefits and health care now. I wish others going through this process all the best. It is so hard! ginnie