What is the primary requirement for achieving insured status under SSDI?

The primary requirement for achieving insured status under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is earning credits for making money through work. To qualify for SSDI, individuals must have worked for a certain period and have paid Social Security taxes on their earnings. This work history translates into "credits," and individuals must have a minimum number of certain work credits to be considered insured for SSDI benefits. Once a person earns enough work credits, they can qualify for disability benefits if they also meet the definition of disability as defined by the Social Security Administration.

While being disabled is necessary for actually receiving benefits, the foundational requirement for eligibility hinges on that work history and the credits earned from it. Other factors such as age limits and residency may play a role in the broader context of eligibility, but they do not specifically pertain to the insured status requirement which fundamentally relies on earning work credits.