I have a friend that doctor say’s that they are in a health condition to be able to get isbility…but the problem is they haven’t filed taxes for the last 10 years or so….would it be safe to try and apply for disbility anyway.
— Sharon

Jonathan Ginsberg responds:  Sharon, thanks for your question. If your friend has not filed taxes for the past 10+ years then she will not have credits applied to her Social Security account. Therefore, she will not be eligible for Title II SSDI.

If she has no credits for Title II, but meets the disability definition, she could apply for Title XVI SSI. Realize, however, that SSI is basically a welfare program. The maximum benefit is set by statute at around $600 per month. SSDI benefits, by contrast, are a percentage of what you have paid in and usually end up at $1,500 or more.

In addition, SSI benefits will be offset by any household income or even room and board support you get from another source. For example, if your friend’s spouse is working, his income would probably disqualify your friend from receiving benefits.

[tags] income credits and SSDI, SSI, failure to pay taxes and Social Security disability [/tags]