Quarters of Coverage

October 25, 2015 - 1 minute read

The period of time that a worker has paid FICA taxes, computed in terms of “credits,” in order to be eligible for social security benefits. One quarter, i.e., three months is a credit. In the case of SSDI, the number of credits one must accumulate depends upon the age of individual at the “onset of disability.” An individual, aged 24 or under, has coverage with only 6 credits accumulated within the 3 years prior to the onset of disability. Individuals falling between ages 24 to 31, require 12 credits accumulated within the prior 6 years. The number of required credits for individuals who are aged 31 or older, increases steadily with age, beginning with a requirment of 20 credits for a 31 year old, which increases to 40 credits for an individual who is 62 years of age