Step 1: Check Your Eligibility for SSDI

Before applying for SSDI, it’s important to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria. You must meet both work history and disability requirements:

• Work History: To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a sufficient number of years. Typically, you need to have earned 40 work credits, with 20 of those credits earned in the last 10 years. However, the number of credits required can vary depending on your age when you become disabled.
• Disability: You must have a medical condition that is severe enough to prevent you from working. The condition must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least 12 months or result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines disability as the inability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medical condition.

Step 2: Gather Your Medical and Work Records

Before applying, you’ll need to collect documents that provide evidence of your medical condition and work history. Here’s what you need:

• Medical Records: Gather records from all healthcare providers who have treated you for your disability. This includes doctors’ notes, hospital records, prescriptions, and any other relevant medical documents.
• Work History: Provide details about your employment history, including the names and addresses of your employers for the last 15 years, your job titles, and the dates you worked.
• Social Security Number: You’ll need your Social Security number, your birth certificate, or proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency.

Step 3: Start the Application Process

You can apply for SSDI benefits in Virginia through several methods:

• Online Application: The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows you to apply for SSI online through their official website at www.ssa.gov. The online process is quick and convenient, and you can apply from the comfort of your home.
• By Phone: You can apply by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. A representative will guide you through the application process over the phone.
• In-Person: You can apply in person at your local SSA office. Use the SSA Office Locator on their website to find the nearest office in Virginia. Remember to bring all required documents with you to ensure the process goes smoothly.

Step 4: Complete the Application Accurately

Whether you apply online, by phone, or in person, be sure to fill out the application as accurately and completely as possible. The SSA will evaluate your case based on the information you provide. Incomplete or inaccurate information can lead to delays or denials. Here are some tips to help:

• Be Detailed: Describe your disability in detail, including how it affects your ability to work and perform daily tasks.
• Provide Comprehensive Medical Evidence: Make sure to submit all relevant medical documentation, including test results, treatment plans, and letters from your treating physicians.
• Answer All Questions: If a question does not apply to you, make sure to mark it as “not applicable.” Don’t leave any questions blank.

Step 5: Understand the SSA’s Evaluation Process

Once you’ve submitted your application, the SSA will evaluate your case. They use a five-step process to determine whether you qualify for SSDI benefits:

• Step 1: Are You Working?
  If you are working and earning more than a certain amount (called Substantial Gainful Activity or SGA, which is $1,470 per month in 2025 for non-blind individuals), you may not qualify for SSDI benefits.
• Step 2: Is Your Condition Severe?
  Your condition must be severe enough to limit your ability to perform basic work tasks for a significant period of time (at least 12 months).
• Step 3: Does Your Condition Meet a Listing?
  The SSA has a Listing of Impairments that includes conditions that automatically qualify for SSDI. If your condition is on this list and is severe enough, you may be approved for benefits.
• Step 4: Can You Perform Your Past Work?
  If your condition doesn’t meet a listing, the SSA will evaluate whether you can still perform your previous work. If you cannot, they will move to the next step.
• Step 5: Can You Perform Any Other Type of Work?
  If you cannot perform your past work, the SSA will determine if you can do any other type of work based on your skills, education, and age. If you cannot, you will likely qualify for SSDI.

Step 6: Be Prepared for a Possible Denial

It’s important to note that many SSDI claims are denied, especially on the first application. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process typically involves:

• Requesting Reconsideration: The SSA will review your case again based on additional evidence you provide.
• Requesting a Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a critical stage where you can present your case in person.
• Further Appeals: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can appeal to the Appeals Council and, if necessary, to Federal Court.