Step 1: Understand the Different Types of Disability Benefits

There are two primary Social Security Disability programs:

• SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): This program is for individuals who have worked in the past and paid into the Social Security system. To qualify for SSDI, you must have a sufficient work history and have paid Social Security taxes through your employment.
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Unlike SSDI, SSI is a needs-based program that helps individuals who have limited income and resources. SSI is available to individuals who are disabled, elderly, or blind, regardless of their work history.

Step 2: Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for Social Security Disability, whether it’s SSDI or SSI, you must meet certain basic criteria:

For SSDI:

• Work History: You must have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. The amount of work required depends on your age when you become disabled.
• General rule: You need to have worked for at least 5 years in the last 10 years before you became disabled.
• Young Workers: If you’re younger, you may qualify with less work history, but you need to have worked for a certain number of quarters over your lifetime.
• Disability: Your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a strict definition of disability.

For SSI:

• Income and Resources: SSI is for individuals with limited income and resources. Generally, your income should be below the SSI limit, which is $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.
• Disability: You must have a disability that meets SSA’s criteria. This means your condition must severely impair your ability to work and earn a living for at least 12 months.
  

Step 3: Prove You Are Disabled According to SSA’s Definition

One of the most crucial factors in qualifying for Social Security Disability is proving your disability. The SSA has specific criteria for what counts as a disability. These include:

• Severe Impairment: Your condition must be severe enough to significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities. The SSA assesses your ability to perform tasks like walking, sitting, standing, lifting, and concentrating.
• Duration: Your disability must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. Temporary conditions, even if serious, do not qualify.
• Listing of Impairments: The SSA has a Listing of Impairments, which is a list of conditions that automatically qualify for disability benefits if they meet the specified severity criteria. These include conditions such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, and mental disorders.
• If your condition is not listed, you can still qualify if the SSA determines it is equivalent in severity to a listed impairment.

Step 4: Follow the SSA’s Five-Step Evaluation Process

The SSA uses a five-step process to determine if you are eligible for Social Security Disability benefits. The five steps are:

Are You Working?

• If you are earning above a certain amount (known as Substantial Gainful Activity or SGA), the SSA may determine that you are not disabled. For 2025, the SGA threshold is $1,470 per month ($2,460 for blind individuals).

Is Your Condition Severe?

• Your condition must significantly limit your ability to perform work tasks. If your condition is not severe, you may be denied.

Does Your Condition Match a Listed Impairment?

• If your condition matches or equals one in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, you will be considered disabled. This is the fastest route to approval.

Can You Do Your Previous Work?

• If your condition is severe but doesn’t match a listed impairment, the SSA will assess if you can do your past relevant work. If you cannot perform your previous job, they move to the next step.

Can You Do Any Other Type of Work?

• If you can’t do your previous work, the SSA will evaluate if you can perform any other type of work, considering your skills, education, age, and ability to adapt.

Step 5: Submit Detailed Medical Documentation

One of the most important aspects of your disability claim is your medical evidence. The SSA requires thorough documentation of your condition, including:

• Doctor’s Records: Include reports from your treating physician(s) describing your diagnosis, treatments, and how the disability affects your ability to work.
• Test Results: Any relevant test results, such as X-rays, MRI scans, or blood tests that support your disability claim.
• Specialist Reports: If you are being treated by specialists, include their evaluations and opinions on your condition.
• Treatment History: Documentation of all treatments you’ve undergone, including surgeries, medications, and therapy.

Step 6: Apply for Disability Benefits

Once you have gathered your documentation and you’re confident you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for Social Security Disability benefits. You can apply in the following ways:

• Online: The easiest way to apply is through the SSA’s online portal at www.ssa.gov.
• In-Person: You can apply at your local Social Security office. Use the SSA office locator tool to find the nearest office.
• By Phone: You can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to apply over the phone.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

Once you submit your application, the SSA will review your case. This can take anywhere from 3 to 5 months, depending on the complexity of your claim. The SSA may request additional information or medical records during this period.

• Approval: If approved, you will start receiving monthly disability benefits and may qualify for health coverage, such as Medicare or Medicaid.
• Denial: If your claim is denied, don’t give up. You have the right to appeal the decision.

Consider Getting Help from a Disability Lawyer

If you are unsure about the process or your claim is complicated, it may be helpful to consult with a disability lawyer. A lawyer can assist you in:

• Ensuring that you meet all the eligibility criteria.
• Helping you gather and organize medical evidence.
• Representing you in hearings or appeals if your claim is denied.