How long do I have to work to qualify for SSDI in Mississippi?

By Hogan Smith

Updated 12/05/2025


How long do I have to work to qualify for SSDI in Mississippi? In Mississippi, qualifying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) depends on your work history and the number of work credits earned through paying Social Security taxes. Typically, you must have worked for a sufficient period to earn these credits, which is closely tied to your age at the time your disability began. Most adults need about 20 credits in the last 10 years to be eligible. These requirements ensure you have contributed enough to the system before becoming disabled.

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Work Credit Basics

To qualify for SSDI in Mississippi, you must have:

  • Earned enough work credits by paying Social Security taxes through your employment.
  • Generally, having 20 credits within the last 10 years is required for disabled workers.
Credit Requirements Based on Age

The number of needed credits changes depending on:

  • Your age when the disability started, younger workers may need fewer credits.
  • Older workers typically need more recent credits to qualify.
How Work Credits Are Earned

You earn work credits by:

  • Accumulating Social Security taxes based on income each year.
  • Up to a maximum of 4 credits earned per year.
Special Rules for Younger Applicants

Younger individuals may qualify if:

  • The disability occurs before age 24 and they have 6 credits earned within the last 3 years.
  • There are provisions to help newer workers qualify with fewer credits.
Importance of Timing

Remember that:

  • The credits must be recent enough to reflect your current work activity.
  • Older credits may not count if too much time has passed before the disability started.
Consult with SSA or Professionals

It’s important to:

  • Check your Social Security statement to verify your work credits.
  • Consult with specialists to understand how your work history impacts your SSDI eligibility.

How Hogan Smith Can Help

At Hogan Smith, we assist Mississippi residents in understanding how long you need to work to qualify for SSDI by:

  • Reviewing your employment history to ensure you have the required number of work credits.
  • Explaining how your age and work timeline affect your eligibility for SSDI benefits.
  • Communicating with the Social Security Administration (SSA) on your behalf to clarify credit issues.
  • Providing expert advice on appealing denials related to insufficient work history.

Contact Hogan Smith Today

If you have questions about how long you need to work to qualify for SSDI in Mississippi, contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. Our experienced team will help you navigate the work credit requirements and guide you through the SSDI application process with confidence.


Further Reading

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Updated February 10, 2025

A black and white icon of a newspaper on a white background.

Updated February 10, 2025

A black and white icon of a newspaper on a white background.

Updated February 10, 2025

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