New Social Security Rule: Only 5 Years of Work History Required for Disability Benefits Starting June 22, 2024
The Social Security Administration has updated its requirements and now only asks for five years of work history instead of 15 when applying for Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits. Starting June 22, 2024, any job lasting fewer than 30 days will also be excluded. This shift aims to streamline the application process by concentrating on more recent employment rather than outdated work information.
The Five-Step Application Process
When individuals apply for Social Security disability benefits, the Social Security Administration follows a five-step process to determine if you are disabled and entitled to benefits:
- Are you working? If you are not working or if you are working and your average earnings are less than $1,550 per month (substantial gainful activity), then you move to the next step.
- Is your condition “severe”? Your condition must significantly limit your ability to do basic work-related activities.
- Is your condition included in the “listings” of disabling conditions? The Social Security Administration has a list of conditions that it considers disabling. If you meet the requirements for one of those conditions, then you are considered disabled. If you do not have a listing, then you move to the next step.
- Can you do your past work? This is where the change comes into play. Social Security previously considered the work you did for the past 15 years. Now, it will only look to the past 5 years. If you cannot do your past work, then you move to the next step.
- Can you do any other type of work? If the answer is no, then you qualify for disability benefits.
What Social Security Commissioner O’Malley Said
The Social Security Administration has released a statement by Commissioner Martin O’Malley on their new rule: “This new regulation reduces the workload and time demands on applicants documenting work history, emphasizes recent and pertinent job details, enhances decision-making data for staff, and expedites customer service, processing speed, and wait times.”
Our office represents individuals seeking Social Security Disability and Supplemental Security Income benefits. We work closely with you and provide the Social Security Administration with as much information as possible to ensure you get the benefits you deserve.
You can call our office at (610) 446-3457 or click here to send an email to set up a consultation with one of our attorneys. We will explain the process, guide you, and fight to get and keep the benefits you need.
