Social Security Disability Insurance benefits work much the same way as Social Security retirement benefits, in that if you work, you pay a substantial amount of money as Social Security tax. By paying Social Security tax, you earn “work credits,” by which you become legally entitled to receive benefits; however, the number of credits required differs based on whether one is applying for retirement benefits or disability benefits. A worker can earn up to four “work credits” per year. The exact number depends on how much money you make; in 2009, for example, you would receive one work credit for every $1090 you make, up to a maximum of four credits for the whole year. If you have earned 40 “work credits,” then when you reach retirement age you will be eligible for retirement benefits.

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