Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

The first step in applying for disability benefits is determining which program you qualify for:

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked and paid into Social Security through payroll taxes for a certain number of years. The number of work credits you need depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, you need 40 work credits, 20 of which must have been earned in the past 10 years.
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): SSI is a needs-based program designed for people with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. You qualify based on your financial situation and the severity of your disability.

Both SSDI and SSI require that your disability prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. You must also meet the SSA’s strict definition of disability.

Step 2: Gather Required Documentation

To apply for disability benefits, you’ll need to provide several pieces of documentation to the SSA:

• Medical records: These include doctor’s notes, lab results, hospital records, and treatment plans that demonstrate the severity of your condition and how it affects your ability to work.
• Work history: For SSDI, you’ll need to list all jobs you’ve had in the past 15 years, including details about your job duties and the dates you worked. For SSI, you’ll need to provide information about your income and resources.
• Personal information: This includes your Social Security number, birth certificate, tax returns, and other details that verify your identity.

Step 3: Complete the Disability Application

The next step is to complete the disability application. You can apply in several ways:

• Online: The easiest and fastest way is to apply online through the SSA’s website at www.ssa.gov.
• By phone: If you are unable to apply online, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment.
• In person: You can also apply in person at your local Social Security office.

The application asks for detailed information about your medical condition, work history, and personal background. Be honest and thorough, as mistakes or omissions can delay the process.

Step 4: Medical Evaluation and Review

Once you’ve submitted your application, the SSA will review your case. This review includes a medical evaluation to determine whether your condition qualifies under the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, which outlines the conditions that automatically qualify for disability benefits. If your condition isn’t listed, the SSA will assess how your condition impacts your ability to work.

Your application will go through several stages of review:

• Step 1: The SSA will look at whether you are working or earning a substantial income. If you’re still working and earning above the income threshold, your claim may be denied.
• Step 2: Your condition must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities.
• Step 3: If your condition matches or equals a listed impairment, you will be presumed disabled.
• Step 4: If your condition doesn’t match a listed impairment, the SSA will look at whether you can still perform your previous job.
• Step 5: If you cannot do your previous job, the SSA will determine if there is any other type of work you could do based on your age, education, and skills.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

After the medical evaluation, the SSA will send you a decision. The decision process can take several months—typically 3 to 5 months—but it can be longer depending on your case. If your claim is approved, you will receive a notification detailing the amount of benefits you will receive and when you can expect to start getting payments.

If your claim is denied, don’t get discouraged—many disability claims are initially denied. You have the right to appeal the decision.

Step 6: Appeal If Necessary

If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. The appeals process includes several stages:

• Reconsideration: You can request a reconsideration, where the SSA reviews your case again with any new or additional information.
• Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an ALJ, who will evaluate your case and make a ruling. This is a critical stage where you can present your case in person.
• Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request a review by the SSA’s Appeals Council.
• Federal Court: If all else fails, you can appeal the decision in a federal court.

Step 7: Follow Up and Stay Organized

Once your application is submitted, it’s important to stay on top of any requests for additional information from the SSA. Keep records of all communications and deadlines to ensure a smooth process. You can also monitor your claim’s status online through your SSA online account.