All working professionals in the United States typically make contributions to Social Security. Their federal payroll withholding managed by their employer includes Social Security contributions. Even small business owners and independent contractors have to pay estimated taxes, which include Social Security contributions.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) tracks the contributions made by working professionals. People may be eligible for retirement benefits after many years of work. They could also apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits if they cannot work due to disabling medical challenges.
Full-time workers who have enjoyed lengthy careers often take for granted that they qualify for SSDI, at least based on their employment history. Part-time workers may be less certain of their rights. Can those who work fewer than 40 hours per week potentially qualify for SSDI benefits?
Part-time and seasonal workers could be eligible
It is easier to qualify for SSDI based on work history than people realize. The main challenge is often proving that a medical condition is severe enough to prevent the professional from working in the future.
The duration of a worker’s employment history, including how much they have worked in recent years, directly influences their eligibility for SSDI benefits. Typically, the SSA expects that workers age 31 or older have at least 40 accumulated credits. Additionally, at least 20 of those credits should be from within the last 10 years.
Although part-time and seasonal employees may question whether they qualify, the odds are in their favor. Workers can only acquire four credits annually. As of 2025, people receive one credit for each $1,810 earned. Anyone who earns at least $7,240 has accumulated the maximum number of credits for the year.
Even those who only work 10 hours a week or seasonally over the holiday retail season may find that they have enough credits on record for SSDI benefits. Workers under the age of 31 might potentially be eligible for SSDI benefits with far fewer than 40 credits. Some people qualify with as few as six credits.
Reviewing work history and medical documentation with a skilled legal team can help people prepare for an SSDI application. Many part-time and seasonal workers are eligible for benefits if they follow the correct procedures when applying.
