In order to qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits, an applicant must have enough work credits to qualify.  Ever quarter of a year that an employee works, the employee earns one work credit.  The applicant must have 20 work credits in the ten year period immediately prior to the alleged date of disability in order to be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits.  However, in two circumstances, a spouse may be eligible for benefits under the other spouses earnings record.  The applicant may be entitled to benefits under the earning record of their spouse if the following circumstances are met: (1) the disabled applicant's spouse is deceased and the applicant is at least fifty (50) years of age; or  (2) if the disabled applicant's spouse is alive but retired or disabled and the applicant is at least sixty two (62) years of age.  This benefit will still be available to divorced spouses as long as the above conditions are met and  the marriage lasted at least ten (10) years. 

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