>> To be eligible in your own right, you have to have paid into Social Security for a total of 40 quarters before becoming disabled Looks like there are differ

>> To be eligible in your own right, you have to have paid into Social Security for a total of 40 quarters before becoming disabled Looks like there are different rules for disability for young workers: "To be eligible for disability benefits, you must meet a recent work test and a duration work test. The number of credits necessary to meet the recent work test depends on your age. The rules are as follows: Before age 24 - You may qualify if you have 6 credits earned in the 3-year period ending when your disability starts. Age 24 to 31 – In general, you may qualify if you have credit for working half the time between age 21 and the time you become disabled. As a general example, if you become disabled at age 27, you would need 3 years of work (12 credits) out of the past 6 years (between ages 21 and 27). Age 31 or older - In general, you must have at least 20 credits in the 10-year period immediately before you become disabled." -- https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/credits.html https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/credits.html