Tampa, FL workers’ compensation attorney Mark Lee addresses the question of how one qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits. He cites that there are two key questions to consider. The first is whether an individual has the requisite credits to qualify for Social Security. Generally, if someone has worked and paid Social Security taxes for most of their adult life, and for at least five of the last ten years, they are eligible to file.

The second question is whether the individual is currently working, which is the first consideration in the five-step sequential evaluation process. If a person is not working and has met the work requirement of at least five of the last ten years, they would be eligible to file the application.