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Perhaps, over the years you worked, did your place of employment have a retirement fund ? Employees were placing tax money into the retirement fund, instead of paying Social Security taxes? This is one example of why a employee would not have enough social security work credits , despite years of being employed, the employee did not pay into Social Security Taxes . I know That teachers also have retirement funds , or any state workers could fall under this catorgory.
They could , however still be entitled to SSI benifits . Although not as much as SSDI would pay a disabled individual , it is anther program that Social Security pays for people who are fully disabled who meet the requirements of S.S.
You ought to be able to have your retirement money as well, through your place of employment if this is the case in your situation, however, please check with your Lawyer.