Can You Get Social Security Disability If You Never Worked?

If you are disabled and unable to work, you may be considering the possibility of filing a claim for disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. What happens, though, if you’ve never actually worked? If you have no employment history, can you still collect disability benefits? That’s an understandable question to ask. The short answer is that it depends on which type of benefit you're trying to pursue. Let's take a closer look at the law together.

What Types of Benefits Are Available?

The Social Security Administration offers two types of disability benefit programs, and eligibility depends on an applicant's circumstances. These programs include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

In order to receive either type of benefit, an individual must have a qualifying medical condition that has rendered them disabled and unable to work for at least one continuous calendar year or more. While both programs share these characteristics in common, there are also important differences.

Social Security Disability Insurance

SSDI benefits are funded by the taxes that workers regularly pay into the Social Security system through their paychecks. Eligibility is based on "work credits," which essentially means that an individual must have worked a sufficient length of time before being able to receive benefits. Those who have done so are considered "insured" by the Social Security Administration.

SSDI payments are not based on the particular medical condition that an individual has. Instead, payment amounts are calculated based on work and earnings history. As a result, in order to be approved for this type of benefit, an individual must have a history of employment. The maximum SSDI monthly benefit amount in 2024 is $3,822, and that amount will rise to $4,018 in 2025.

Those who have never worked and do not qualify for SSDI benefits shouldn’t panic. Depending upon the particular circumstances involved, a disabled individual may still qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits.

Supplemental Security Income

Unlike the case with SSDI benefits, eligibility for SSI benefits is not based on work credits, as employment taxes do not fund SSI. Instead, the SSI program is funded by general tax revenue and is intended to help disabled individuals who have low (or zero) income. Because SSI benefits are intended for low-income individuals and are not funded by employment taxes, no work history is needed to be eligible.

Even if you have no work history, you may be eligible for SSI benefits if:

• You have a qualifying medical condition: To determine whether a particular condition qualifies as a disability, the Social Security Administration will often consult its Blue Book. This is a guide containing various conditions and their accompanying symptoms. Having a condition that is not listed in the Blue Book does not automatically mean that your application will be denied – it simply means that additional medical proof may be needed.
• The condition has rendered you unable to work for one continuous calendar year or more: Sometimes, a condition may be severe enough to be disabling, but it may heal relatively quickly. In cases where conditions heal in less time than a year, short-term disability benefits may be available, but Social Security disability benefits will not.
• You have income and resources below a certain limit established by the Social Security Administration: Because SSI is intended for low-income individuals and families, eligibility depends upon income and resources staying below a certain limit. This limit often changes annually depending upon various economic factors, so consulting with an attorney regarding your particular circumstances is always advised. Generally, the Social Security Administration considers “resources” to include cash, bank accounts, investments, and a variety of other assets.

In 2024, the maximum amount of SSI benefits that can be received is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 per month per couple. Those amounts are expected to rise to $967 per individual and $1,450 per couple in 2025.

Understandably, all of this information may seem confusing. You may wonder whether you qualify for either or both types of benefits. Fortunately, you don't have to wonder and worry on your own. Instead, you can reach out to us. At Disability Experts, we're here to help.

Call Disability Experts Today

At Disability Experts, we know that when you’re already struggling with a disability, the last thing you need is to worry about complicated legal questions. The good news is, you don’t have to. Instead, you can call us. When you do, you can trust that you’re asking a knowledgeable and experienced legal team who has your best interests at heart. We know that living with a disability is difficult, and that’s why we’re here to help you pursue the benefits you need and deserve. If you’re ready to get started, there’s no time like now. Give us a call. We look forward to speaking with you soon.