I used to work, but now stay home with the kids. Can I get Social Security disability benefits?

Q: I used to work, but lately I have been staying home taking care of the kids. I recently became sick. Can I get Social Security disability benefits?

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A: Possibly. If you worked five out of the last 10 years before becoming disabled, you may have enough earnings to qualify for Social Security disability benefits. For individuals age 31 or under, the requirements are a little different, since such individuals have not had an opportunity to work for a long period of time. Unless a person has been staying home and taking care of his or her children for quite a long time, it is very possible that they will qualify for Social Security disability benefits based upon his or her own earnings. A homemaker, depending on his or her financial situation, may qualify for SSI regardless of his or her work history.