Step 1: Determine If You Are Eligible for SSDI

To qualify for SSDI, you must meet specific requirements set by the Social Security Administration (SSA). These requirements primarily focus on your work history and the severity of your disability.

Eligibility Criteria for SSDI:

• Work Credits: You must have earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI. Work credits are earned through your Social Security taxes paid while employed. Generally, you need 40 work credits, and 20 of them must be earned in the last 10 years. If you’re younger, you may need fewer credits, depending on your age.
• Disability: Your medical condition must be severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or result in death. The SSA defines disability as the inability to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a medical condition that severely limits your ability to perform work tasks.
• SSA's Definition of Disability: The SSA uses a five-step process to evaluate whether you are disabled. If you have a condition that meets their definition, you may qualify for SSDI.

Step 2: Gather Your Medical Documentation

One of the most important parts of applying for SSDI is providing medical evidence to support your claim. You need to prove that your disability is severe enough to prevent you from working.

What Medical Documentation Do You Need?

• Doctor’s Notes and Medical Records: Provide detailed records from your treating doctors, specialists, and healthcare providers. This includes diagnosis, test results, treatment plans, and progress notes.
• Treatment History: Show that you’ve followed prescribed treatments and have been actively seeking medical care for your condition.
• Opinions from Your Doctors: A letter from your treating physician explaining how your condition affects your ability to work can be crucial to your claim.
• Hospitalization Records: If you’ve been hospitalized or have undergone surgeries, include those records as well.

Step 3: Apply for SSDI

Once you have all the necessary documentation, you can apply for SSDI benefits. There are several ways to apply:

• Online: The most convenient and fastest way to apply for SSDI is through the SSA’s online portal at www.ssa.gov. The online application is straightforward and allows you to complete the process from home.
• By Phone: You can apply by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. A representative will assist you with completing your application over the phone.
• In Person: You can also visit your local Social Security office. Use the SSA office locator tool to find the nearest location.

Tips for Applying:

• Be Thorough: Provide as much detail as possible on the application, including your work history, medical condition, and how it limits your ability to work.
• Be Honest: Don’t leave any information out, even if it seems minor. Omitting or misrepresenting information could delay or negatively impact your application.
• Submit All Required Documents: Ensure you submit your medical records, work history, and any other documentation the SSA requests.

Step 4: Understand the SSDI Evaluation Process

Once you submit your application, the SSA will review it based on a five-step process:

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): The SSA will check if you are working and earning more than a specific threshold. In 2025, if you’re earning more than $1,470 per month (or $2,460 if you are blind), you may be disqualified for SSDI.
• Severity of Condition: Your medical condition must be severe enough to limit your ability to perform basic work tasks.
• Meeting a Listed Impairment: The SSA has a list of impairments that automatically qualify for SSDI benefits if they are severe enough to meet the SSA’s criteria. If your condition is not listed, the SSA will assess whether it is equally as severe as a listed impairment.
• Past Work: The SSA will evaluate whether you can still perform the work you’ve done in the past. If you cannot, they will move to the next step.
• Other Work: If you cannot perform past work, the SSA will assess whether you can do any other kind of work given your age, education, skills, and experience.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

The process of receiving a decision on your SSDI application can take several months, generally between 3 to 6 months. If you haven’t received a response in this timeframe, you can create an online account with the SSA to track the progress of your claim.

If the SSA needs additional information or documentation, they will contact you. If your application is incomplete or unclear, the SSA may request clarification.

Step 6: What If Your SSDI Claim Is Denied?

It’s common for SSDI claims to be denied initially. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision.

Steps to Appeal:

• Request Reconsideration: If your initial claim is denied, you can request that the SSA review your case again.
• Request a Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a critical stage in the appeals process where you can present your case in person.
• Appeal to the Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request a review by the SSA’s Appeals Council.