Ginnie,

As you work at SGA, you accrue work credits. Those credits 'expire'.

Some of the more knowledgable posters can probably supply the details (like how long a credit is good for), but as an example.....

One could start working at age 16.....and work full time for 15 years. If they became disabled then, their SSDI would be based on SSA's formula for the years they worked (how many quarters/credits) and their salary.

If that person got married at 31, started having babies, and became at stay at home parent, then became disabled at age 51....they'd be up a creek with SSDI because they hadn't worked for 20 years, so their credits would have expired.

It sounds like your case may have gotten close to the deadline for your credits expiring.

Ginnie,


Check out this article.....


Are You “Insured” For Social Security Disability Benefits?


Hopefully, it will answer your questions about work credits expiring.

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

I was told you have to prove work by paying into Social Security 5 out of the past/previous 10 years prior to applying for Social Security.

I've been out of work for 8+years....so in order for me to re-apply for Social Security again, I have to find some type of employment and work for at least the next 3 to 5 years, most likely more. Right now my doctors tell me that I cannot work.

I took my case all the way to the Federal Appeals Court. That's where I got my case closed notice.

Sigh....
Abbie

Yes, I get it now. Sorry that this happened to you. In that 5 past to 10 past years, I had 9 surgeries. Try working around that. It was tough, and I didn't quit till my neck actually didn't work anymore. Never worked harder for anything in life as I knew for two years.; the disability was coming. My neck hurt for a long time before I addressed the situation. There must be a better way to go for people who get sick, or injured. It is awful for those that don't qualify. Makes me so sad for you. ginnie

Because it is set up like long term disability insurance for the masses. If you want to collect on any insurance policy, you have to have the issue the insurance is for WHILE you are insured for it.

If I stopped paying my car insurance now and get in an accident 5 years from now, the car insurance I have now won't cover me then.