Can You Get Disability Insurance If You’ve Never Worked?

Disability insurance helps many individuals and families, but a common question arises: Can someone receive disability insurance if they’ve never worked?

Understanding Work Requirements for SSDI

The simple answer is no—unfortunately, you cannot qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) if you have never worked. SSDI requires both proof of work history and the payment of Social Security taxes over a specific period.

Here are the basic qualifications for SSDI:

• Work History: You must have had a job covered by Social Security and paid Social Security taxes on your earnings.
• Disability: Your condition must prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity and must last at least a year or result in death.
• Inability to Work: The disability must prevent you from performing both previous and new work. Evaluations may include your ability to sit, stand, remember tasks, or communicate effectively.

Alternative Options to Consider

If you don’t qualify for SSDI, there are a couple of alternative insurance plans worth exploring:

Individual Disability Insurance

This private insurance helps cover income and essential bills like your mortgage and utilities while you recover or transition to a new plan. This may be a better fit for those who have never worked or don’t qualify for federal programs.

State-Funded Disability Programs

Also known as Temporary Disability Insurance, this is state-specific and may not be available everywhere. It offers short-term support (usually up to 26 weeks) for non-work-related injuries or illnesses and provides time to recover or secure longer-term solutions.

The Bottom Line

SSDI requires a work history to qualify. If you’ve never worked, your best options are alternative plans such as individual disability insurance or state-funded programs. Be sure to research your eligibility based on where you live.

If you believe you meet the SSDI qualifications, reach out to the Social Security Administration for guidance and application steps.

Contact a Social Security Disability Lawyer to help guide you through your options and determine the best course of action for your situation.