Are you wondering if you have insured status under the social security program? /
https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-0101.htm
Look no further than § 404.101. This section of the Social Security Administration’s regulations explains what it means to have insured status and how you can become fully or currently insured. It also outlines how your insured status is essential in determining your eligibility for old-age or disability insurance benefits, dependents’ or survivors’ insurance benefits, or a lump-sum death payment.
If you are unsure of your insured status, don’t worry. §§ 404.110 through 404.120 outline how to determine if you are fully or currently insured, and §§ 404.130 through 404.133 describe the rules for establishing a period of disability or becoming entitled to disability insurance benefits.
Additionally, this subpart also explains how quarters of coverage (QCs) are used in determining your insured status and how they are credited to you based on your wages and self-employment income. §§ 404.140 through 404.146 provide details on how and when you can acquire a QC.
Understanding these regulations is crucial to determining your eligibility for benefits, and as an advocate, we can help you navigate them to help you obtain the benefits you deserve.
Insured Status
According to § 404.101 of the Social Security Administration (SSA), insured status is the basic factor in determining if an individual is entitled to old-age or disability insurance benefits, a period of disability, dependents’ or survivors’ insurance benefits, or a lump-sum death payment based on their earnings record. Insured status can be classified as either fully insured, currently insured, or insured for disability benefits.
To be fully insured, an individual must have earned 40 quarters of coverage (QCs), which is equivalent to 10 years of work, and paid Social Security taxes during that time. Currently insured means an individual has earned at least 6 QCs in the last 13 quarters, or three years, before the onset of their disability. Insured for disability benefits means an individual has earned at least 20 QCs, half of which were earned in the last 10 years before the onset of their disability.
Quarters of Coverage (QCs)
A quarter of coverage (QC) is a basic unit used by the SSA to determine if an individual has earned enough work credits to be eligible for Social Security benefits. QCs are credited to individuals based on their wages or self-employment income during certain periods.
The SSA rules for crediting QCs are outlined in §§ 404.140 through 404.146. In general, individuals are credited with one QC for every $1,550 in earnings, up to a maximum of four QCs per year. Self-employed individuals can earn QCs by paying self-employment taxes, which are based on their net earnings.
Having the required number of QCs is essential for an individual to be eligible for Social Security benefits, as it determines their insured status.
Conclusion: Understanding insured status and quarters of coverage is essential for anyone seeking Social Security Disability benefits. As a Social Security Disability advocate, it is important to educate clients about these basic concepts and help them navigate the complex rules and regulations of the program. By understanding how insured status and QCs are determined, individuals can better understand their eligibility for benefits and receive the support they need.
At Hugo Fierro & Michael Perez, we possess the expertise and knowledge necessary to provide comprehensive guidance regarding your social security disability claim. Our team is well-equipped to assist you in navigating the complex processes and requirements associated with this critical aspect of your financial well-being. Allow us to leverage our experience and resources to help you achieve a favorable outcome.