At this time of year, people have income tax filing on their minds. Not only do you have to declare your income for income tax purposes, but your earned income also counts on your Social Security record. To be eligible for regular Social Security disability, you must have worked at least 5 out of the last 10 years. Or if you have worked continuously for ten years, then you will continue to be insured for disability 5 years from the date you stop work.
For 2008, you must earn at least $1,050 each quarter of the year to have the earnings credited to your Social Security account. Often I see self-employed individuals, who although they have gross earnings, have expenses in excess of these earnings, resulting in a net loss. So even though these individuals are working, they do not receive credit for purposes of regular Social Security disability.
Carefully review your Social Security earnings record to make sure you have received proper credit for your earnings.
