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Many people assume that these benefits are only available to those with a work history, but that’s not entirely true. Some disability benefits, like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), are specifically designed to help people regardless of their employment history.
On the other hand, other programs are based on your own earnings, like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI provides income to workers who have been incapacitated or injured so severely that they can no longer work to support themselves or their family.
If you need assistance with your disability claim, a Rutherfordton Social Security Disability Lawyer can provide expert guidance and support throughout the process.
You May Qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Payments
If you don’t qualify for SSDI because you haven’t been working, you may qualify for Supplemental Security Income. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), the SSI program is designed to assist people who have low income and limited assets. Recipients must also be blind, disabled, or over age 65.
Examples of people who may qualify for SSI benefits include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Adults in financial distress who didn’t work the required hours to qualify for SSDI
- Adults who have never worked because they were born with a disability or other medical condition that kept them from working
Most people are aware of the SSDI program because they see their SSDI insurance payments noted in the “deductions” section of their paychecks. However, they may not be aware of the SSI program and that they may qualify for it. Even if they can’t receive SSDI because they didn’t work enough or have never worked due to a disability, there are still benefits available.
How Can I Apply for SSI Benefits?
You can apply for SSI payments through the Social Security Administration. You can submit your application online, by phone, or in person at the SSA office most convenient to you.
Your claim will then be transferred to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) department of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will review your application. The DDS is responsible for verifying the information in your application, including your medical history.
They may reach out to your medical care providers, such as your primary care physician or any other medical professionals who treated you and are familiar with your disabling condition.
If your healthcare providers cannot provide conclusive information or your medical records are not extensive enough to prove your claim, the DDS may reach out to you for a consultive evaluation (CE). The DDS will then decide on your eligibility to receive SSI benefits.
How Much Will I Receive If My SSI Application Is Approved?
Unlike SSDI payments, which are calculated based on your earnings before you became disabled, SSI payments are based on your level of need. According to the SSA, the maximum monthly SSI benefits in 2025 are:
- $967 for a single person
- $1,450 for a married couple
Can Anything Affect My SSI Benefits?
The maximum SSI benefits listed by the SSA are just that, the maximum possible benefits. There are some factors that can impact how much you receive, such as:
- Income: Wages, pensions, or other income can reduce your SSI amount.
- Living Arrangements: Free or reduced-cost housing may lower your benefits.
- Resources: Assets like cash, property, and bank accounts above $2,000 ($3,000 for couples) can affect eligibility.
- State Supplements: Some states add to the federal SSI payment, increasing your monthly benefit.
- Marital Status: A spouse’s income and resources may be considered.
- Work Incentives: Special rules, like the Student Earned Income Exclusion, may protect benefits while working.
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When Will I Begin Receiving Payments if My SSI Application Is Approved?
If your application is approved, you will usually begin receiving payments the month after you submitted your application. The payments will continue every month for as long as you remain eligible.
However, it is important to know that SSI payments cannot be made retroactively. So, if you believe you qualify for SSI, you should apply as soon as possible.
Requirements to Qualify for the Work-Based SSDI Program
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), disability benefit recipients must have earned enough “work credits” to qualify for SSDI. In most cases, at least 40 work credits are required, and you must have earned at least 20 of those in the last ten years before you became disabled. In 2025, you can earn one credit for each $1,810 in income, and you can receive a maximum of four credits per year.
Since you must work to pay into the program, you can’t claim SSDI benefits if you have never worked. However, SSDI is not your only option for receiving income if you are disabled and can’t work.
What if I’m Not Sure if I Have Enough Work Credits to Qualify for SSDI?
If you’ve worked some qualifying jobs and are unsure if you have enough work credits for SSDI, don’t worry—you may still qualify. The number of credits needed depends on your age when you became disabled; younger workers typically need fewer credits.
If you’ve worked some jobs but aren’t sure if you meet the requirements, an SSDI lawyer can help clarify your eligibility and guide you through the application process.
Special Situations for SSDI for People Who Haven’t Worked
Certain individuals may qualify for benefits even if they haven’t worked:
- Dependent Benefits: A non-working spouse or child of a disabled worker may receive auxiliary benefits based on the worker’s SSDI record. This provides extra support for families.
- Disabled Since Childhood: Adults disabled before age 22 may qualify for SSDI under a parent’s work record if the parent is deceased, retired, or receiving disability benefits. These are called “Disabled Adult Child Benefits.”
- Widows/Widowers: If a spouse passes away, their surviving spouse may qualify for benefits based on the deceased worker’s record, especially if they are older or caring for the deceased’s minor or disabled children.
These situations are complex, and you can discuss eligibility with an SSA representative or a lawyer.
What if My SSI or SSDI Application Is Denied?
Although the government does its best to review applications impartially, they don’t always get it right the first time. Often they wrongfully deny claims from people who meet the eligibility requirements due to technicalities or paperwork errors. If you believe your SSDI or SSI application was wrongfully denied, you have options.
You can file an appeal, and you can also get legal assistance with your appeal. Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC wants to help. Our team is dedicated to helping people in your situation get what they deserve.
We would love to review your case and give you our thoughts on how to proceed and how we can help fight for your benefits. Please call our office today for a consultation. We’re here to help and ready to fight for you.
