For Social Security disability benefit purposes, an individual under age 24 is 'currently insured' if the individual has:
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
To be currently insured for disability benefits, an individual generally needs 6 credits in the 13-quarter period, about three years, ending with the quarter in which the disability or death occurred. For individuals under age 24, earning 6 credits within that three-year period is sufficient to satisfy the test. Fully insured status, by contrast, requires 40 credits earned over the worker's lifetime. The distinction between currently insured and fully insured determines which benefits are available: disability benefits require currently insured status, while retirement benefits require fully insured status. Credits are earned based on earnings covered by Social Security.
Why the other options are wrong
- 40 credits establishes fully insured status, which is the lifetime earnings test; it is not the currently insured test for a young worker.
- The six credits must be earned within the three-year period ending with the disability or death, not over a six-year window.
- Twelve credits in three years exceeds the requirement; six credits is the correct number for currently insured status under age 24.
Memory hook
Currently insured = 6 credits in the last 3 years. Under 24, that is the whole test.