I Worked On The Books, Why Does Social Security Say I Don't Have Enough Work History Credits?

As you probably know, in order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits (SSD), you need to have enough work history credits. If you do not have the work history credits, then it is possible you could still qualify for SSI or still qualify for SSD if you can prove that you were disabled prior to your date last insured.

Unfortunately, not everyone pays into Social Security while they are working. Sadly, this is not even something that you may have realized while you were working. Most people assume that if someone hasn't paid into Social  Security that means they were working off the books or not paying taxes. But, there are certain jobs, where the employee pays taxes but they do not pay into Social Security.

It's becoming less frequent, but there are still jobs, mainly within the federal or local government that have their own pension plans that have decided not to require their employees to pay into Social Security. According to the National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators, about 30% of government workers do not pay into the Social Security system. Unfortunately those workers who have not paid into the system may end up not having enough work history credits when they retire or if they intend to file for disability benefits.

In dealing first hand with New Jersey public employees, I know that it is not even a generalization that can be made across the board for all of the  public employees of one state. There are certain divisions or job titles within each of New Jersey's major government pension systems; Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) and Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PRFS), that do and don't pay into Social Security.

Of course, even if you have a government job that does not withhold Social Security taxes from your paycheck, it is possible to qualify for SSD or retirement benefits if you have acquired enough work history credits from a previous job or a part-time job that you have.

If you are unsure whether or not you have enough work history credits then you should contact your local Social Security office.


Related post:  Do I Have To Pay Taxes On Social Security Disability Benefits?