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

By Hogan Smith

Updated 12/03/2025

How long do I have to work to qualify for SSDI in Colorado? To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Colorado, you must have worked and paid into the Social Security system for a specific period. Generally, this means earning a required number of work credits, which depend on your age at the time of disability. Most applicants need about 20 credits within the last 10 years, but younger workers might qualify with fewer credits. These credits show you have contributed enough through payroll taxes to be eligible for SSDI benefits.

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Understand Work Credits Needed for SSDI

Eligibility depends on the number of:

  • Work credits earned through paying Social Security taxes.
  • The total credits required varies by your age when disability begins.
  • Typically, adults need at least 20 credits in the last 10 years.
Credits Earned Based on Earnings

You earn credits by:

  • Working and paying Social Security taxes on your income.
  • Gaining up to 4 credits per year depending on your earnings.
  • Ensuring your work history covers the period before onset of disability.
Special Rules for Younger Workers

If you become disabled young:

  • You might need fewer credits to qualify.
  • The younger you are, the less work history is required.
  • This flexibility helps younger applicants who haven't yet worked for many years.
Duration of Work Credit Eligibility

Keep in mind:

  • Your work credits must be recent enough to count.
  • Most adults must have earned credits within 10 years before disability onset.
  • This ensures your work history is still relevant for eligibility.
Other Qualifying Factors

In addition to work credits, consider:

  • Medical proof of disability that meets SSA criteria.
  • The disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or be terminal.
  • Filing a complete and timely SSDI application.
Common Issues With Qualification

Avoid these pitfalls:

  • Not having enough recent work credits.
  • Failure to document your disability properly.
  • Delays in filing your claim after becoming disabled.

How Hogan Smith Can Help

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

  • Reviewing your work history to confirm if enough credits are earned for qualification.
  • Explaining how your age and employment timeline affect eligibility requirements.
  • Guiding you through the process of gathering and submitting the necessary documentation for your claim.
  • Helping you avoid common mistakes that could delay or deny your SSDI benefits.

Contact Hogan Smith Today

If you want clear answers about how long you need to work to qualify for SSDI in Colorado, contact Hogan Smith today for a free consultation. Our experienced team will help you understand the work credit requirements, guide you through the application process, and make sure you receive the benefits you deserve.

Further Reading

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Updated February 10, 2025

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Updated February 10, 2025

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Updated February 10, 2025

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