Steps to Qualify for Social Security

Step 1: Understand the Eligibility Requirements for SSDI and SSI

To qualify for Social Security, you must meet specific requirements, which vary depending on the program you are applying for.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI):
  SSDI benefits are available to individuals who have worked and paid into Social Security for a certain number of years. The amount of work required depends on your age at the time of disability. Generally, you must have worked for at least five out of the last ten years before you became disabled.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
  SSI is based on financial need and is available to individuals who are disabled, blind, or aged 65 or older with limited income and resources. SSI does not require a work history.

Both programs require that you prove your disability prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.

Step 2: Meet the Social Security Disability Definition of Disability

To qualify for either SSDI or SSI, you must meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability. The SSA looks at whether you have a medical condition that significantly limits your ability to perform basic work tasks. Your disability must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Step 3: Check the SSA’s Listing of Impairments

The SSA has a list of medical conditions (the Listing of Impairments) that are considered severe enough to automatically qualify for benefits if the conditions meet specific criteria. These conditions are categorized by body system (e.g., musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, mental disorders).

If your condition matches one on the list, you may be approved for benefits without needing further proof of how it affects your ability to work. If your condition isn’t listed, you’ll need to prove that it’s as severe as one on the list.

Step 4: Prove You Are Unable to Work

Even if your condition isn’t on the Listing of Impairments, you may still qualify if you can prove that your disability prevents you from performing your previous job or any other type of work.

The SSA will evaluate your residual functional capacity (RFC) — the maximum work you can still do despite your impairment. They’ll also consider your age, education, and work experience in deciding whether you can adjust to other types of work.

Step 5: Work History and Earnings Record

For SSDI, you must have a sufficient work history where you paid Social Security taxes through your job. If you haven’t worked enough, you may not qualify for SSDI. For SSI, your work history doesn’t matter, but your financial need is assessed based on your income and resources.

Step 6: Apply for Social Security

Once you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to apply for Social Security. You can apply for both SSDI and SSI online at the SSA’s official website or by calling the SSA. Make sure to provide accurate, thorough information to avoid delays or a denial of your application.

Step 7: Submit Complete Medical Documentation

To support your claim, you’ll need to provide thorough medical records and documentation from your healthcare providers. This includes your doctor’s notes, test results, and any treatments or therapies you’ve undergone. You may also want a letter from your doctor explaining how your condition limits your ability to work.