A: There is no minimum age requirement, as long as you have a disability that keeps you from working and is expected to last at least one year or end in death.

To qualify for disability benefits you also must have worked long and recently enough under Social Security to earn the required number of work credits.

The number of work credits you need for disability benefits depends on your age when you become disabled. Younger workers do not need as many credits as older workers, since younger people have not had time to build up as much of a work history.

In fact, in some cases a young worker could qualify for disability benefits with only one and a half years of work.

Q: What is the easiest way to get proof of what I receive monthly from Social Security?

A: Social Security makes it easy for you to get the written verification you need — and you can do it online at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Just look in the left column under “What you can do online” and select the “Request a Proof of Income letter” link.

The “Proof of Income” letter is sometimes called a “benefits letter” or a “proof of award letter.” The letter can be used as proof of your income not just for a loan, but for any third party that requires proof of your income.

In addition to offering proof of your income, the letter is also an official document that verifies your Medicare and health insurance coverage, retirement status, disability status and age.

From the time that you complete the online request, it will take about 10 days for you to receive the proof of income letter in the mail.

If you need one sooner, you will want to call us at (800) 772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office.

Oscar Garcia is a public affairs specialist with the Social Security Administration. You can direct your questions to him at SSA, 727 E. Durango Blvd, Room B701, San Antonio, Texas, 78206. You can also e-mail him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .