Can You Get Social Security Disability Benefits In Florida If You’ve Had Multiple Short-Term Jobs?
Are you suffering from long-term disabilities in Florida and worried that your work history won’t qualify you for Social Security disability benefits? It’s a common concern, particularly in today’s gig economy.
Whether you’ve worked part-time, moved between short-term jobs, or are an independent contractor, you may still qualify for disability benefits, provided you’ve earned enough work credits. Our experienced Jacksonville Social Security disability lawyer explains how the Social Security Administration (SSA) counts these credits and offers tips to strengthen your claim.
Have You Worked Enough To Qualify For Social Security Disability Insurance in Florida?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides replacement income if serious injuries, illnesses, or chronic health conditions prevent you from working. Eligibility isn’t based on how long you’ve worked in one job, but whether you’ve paid Social Security taxes and earned the required work credits.
For 2025, you get one credit per every $1,730 in wages or self-employment income you have, with the potential to earn up to four credits per year. Most people need 40 credits to qualify for disability benefits, with 20 earned in the last 10 years.
Short-term or seasonal jobs count if they were covered by Social Security. However, common challenges you could face in filing a Florida disability claim:
- Short work history if you’re under 31 (special rules apply to younger workers);
- Gaps in employment due to caregiving, school, or illness;
- Performing independent contractor or gig work without paying self-employment taxes;
- Working job not covered by Social Security (certain government or overseas work doesn’t qualify).
Provided you have worked steadily and paid into the system, you may still qualify for Social Security disability benefits in Florida.
Steps to Strengthen Your Florida SSDI Claim
Having multiple short-term jobs doesn’t disqualify you from getting Social Security disability benefits, but it can make the claims process more confusing. SSA will review all your earnings history, and mistakes or missing data can delay your application. Here’s how to protect your rights to benefits:
- Request your SSA earnings record to ensure all jobs are counted.
- Correct any errors in your work history before you apply.
- Include complete tax records if you’ve been self-employed or worked gig jobs.
- Gather strong medical evidence showing that your disability prevents full-time work regardless of job type.
Unfortunately, even if you take all the right steps, statistics from the SSA show that over two-thirds of all SSDI claims are denied on the first try. If this happens to you, get legal help in filing an appeal.
Request A Consultation With Our Experienced Florida Social Security Disability Lawyer
Don’t assume your work history disqualifies you from receiving Social Security disability in Florida. At Farrell Disability Law, we’ve helped clients throughout Jacksonville and Orlando get benefits, even if they are independent contractors or work multiple short-term jobs.
Whether you are completing your SSDI application or need to appeal denied benefits, get the experienced legal help you need. Contact our office today and request a consultation with our Florida Social Security disability lawyer.
Source:
ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html
