Qualifying For Social Security Disability Benefits In The State Of Arizona

What happens when an Arizona resident such as you faces an injury on the job that renders them unable to work for a long period of time

? In this situation, you might be eligible for social security disability benefits in addition to workers compensation benefits. The following article discusses much of what you need to know about qualifying. Of course, it is no substitute for legal advice given by a lawyer in person. So if you have any questions, consider seeking help by scheduling a free consultation with a lawyer practicing in your State.

Need to Know Information Regarding Qualification for Social Security Disability

Of course, simply becoming disabled in the state of Arizona does not necessarily make you eligible to receive benefits. First, you must have met the requirement of work credits. Basically, from each paycheck you earn, Social Security taxes (FICA) are deducted. The longer you work, the more credits you earn. And a particular number is required at the time your disability begins. Here are the rules set forth by the federal government for necessary number of credits (quarters of coverage (QC)):

1. You must be fully insured; and

2. You need a total of 20 QC in the last 10 years before you become disabled.

3. There are age exceptions to protect young workers. For disabled workers who are under age 31 you must have credits for at least half the quarters from age 21 to your age at the time your disability begins. So if you become disabled at age 25, you must have 8 quarters of coverage.

To be fully insured for disability benefits you need at least one QC for each calendar year after you turned 21 and the year you become disabled.

The minimum number of QCs needed is 6. The maximum number needed is 40. Any year (all or part of a year) that was included in a period of disability is not included in determining the number of QCs you need.

More Information on Earning Credits

While the manner in which you can earn credits has changed over the years, the fact remains that you can earn up to 4 credits per year that you work and pay Social Security taxes. These credits are based on the wages reported annually by your employer as well as any income from self-employment endeavors. To obtain a credit in 2012, you must earn $1,130 during the year. (The amount required for a quarter of coverage was $1120 in 2010 and 2011 and was less in earlier years.) If you earn $4,520 or more in 2012, you can earn the 4 credit maximum discussed above. When you work during the year does not actually matter. You cannot earn more than four quarters of coverage for a year.

The average worker will easily earn more than enough Social Security credits to qualify for disability. Keep in mind that extra credits do not give you any sort of extra benefit. Instead, the average amount you earn per year will be the deciding factor on how much money you will be paid by the Social Security Administration on a monthly basis.

by: Alan Schiffman

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