What is SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial benefits to individuals who are disabled and unable to work for at least 12 months or expect to die due to their condition. SSDI is a federal program that requires applicants to meet certain work history and disability criteria to qualify.

Eligibility Requirements for SSDI

Before applying for SSDI, you need to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements:

• Work History: You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years, generally 5 out of the last 10 years before becoming disabled.
• Disability: You must have a qualifying disability that prevents you from working. The Social Security Administration (SSA) defines a disability as a condition that severely limits your ability to perform basic work tasks for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.
• Recent Work Credits: The SSA uses a system of "work credits" to determine whether you have worked enough to qualify for SSDI. In general, you need 40 credits, 20 of which must have been earned in the last 10 years.

Steps to Apply for SSDI for Yourself

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents and Information

Before starting the application, gather all the necessary information and documentation you’ll need to complete the process:

• Personal Information: Your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
• Work History: The names of employers and dates of employment for the past 15 years.
• Medical Information: Details about your disability, including medical records, treatment history, and contact information for your doctors and healthcare providers.
• Banking Information: Your bank account and routing number for direct deposit of benefits.

Step 2: Apply Online Through the SSA Website

The fastest and easiest way to apply for SSDI is online through the Social Security Administration’s official website. Here’s how:

• Go to the SSA website at www.ssa.gov.
• Click on "Apply for Disability" and follow the instructions to start your application.
• The online process is broken down into sections, so you can work through each part step by step. Make sure you complete each section fully and accurately.

Step 3: Apply by Phone or In Person

If you prefer not to apply online or need assistance, you can apply by phone or in person:

• By Phone: Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to apply over the phone with a representative. They can guide you through the process and answer any questions.
• In Person: Visit your local SSA office to apply in person. You can use the SSA office locator tool on their website to find your nearest office.

Step 4: Complete the Disability Report

Along with your application, you’ll need to submit a detailed Disability Report. This report provides information about your medical condition, how it limits your ability to work, and your daily activities. You will need to describe:

• Your medical condition: What is your disability? How does it affect your ability to work and perform everyday activities?
• Your work history: Provide details about your past jobs, including the tasks you performed and the type of work you did.
• Your medical treatment: List your doctors, treatments, medications, and any hospital stays related to your disability.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

After completing your application and disability report, submit your application to the SSA. Make sure to review all the information before submitting to avoid errors that could delay the process.

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

Once your application is submitted, the SSA will review it to determine whether you meet the criteria for SSDI. This process can take several months, and the SSA may request additional information or documents from you during the review.

• Initial Decision: After the review, you will receive a decision. Unfortunately, many SSDI claims are initially denied, even if they are valid. If this happens, don’t give up—you have the right to appeal.

Step 7: Appeal if Necessary

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

• Request for Reconsideration: Ask the SSA to review your claim again, including any additional medical evidence you may have.
• Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an ALJ. This gives you the opportunity to present your case in person.
• Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your case, you can request a review by the SSA’s Appeals Council.
• Federal Court: If all other appeals are denied, you can take your case to federal court.

Step 8: Track Your Application Status

You can track the status of your SSDI application by creating a My Social Security account on the SSA’s website. This account allows you to see the progress of your claim, receive notices, and make updates to your personal information.