Are disablity benefits available part-time employees?

If you are interested in applying for Social Security Disability, the fact that you have only worked part-time may not affect your eligibility for disability.  Social Security has medical and non-medical requirements to be eligible for benefits.  The non-medical aspect of being eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance involves whether or not you have enough work credits.  Work credits are based on your earnings, not whether you have worked full or part-time.  You earn up to four credits a year.  In 2010, you earn a work credit for each $1120 of earnings if you are paying social security taxes. Social Security sends you an earnings statement every year that gives you information about how much you would receive in retirement benefits, disability benefits, and work credits.  You should check the statement to make sure your earnings record is accurate.  Social Security also has some online tools to help you determine your eligibility for benefits.

You should also consider contacting an attorney who specializes in disability law and has experience in handling Social Security cases.  He or she could give you more information about filing for disability, work credits and correcting your earnings record if it is needed.