Steps to Apply for SSDI if You’re Self-Employed

Step 1: Understand SSDI Eligibility Requirements for Self-Employed Individuals

To qualify for SSDI, you must meet the following basic requirements:

• Work Credits: SSDI is based on your work history, so you must have earned enough work credits by paying Social Security taxes. Generally, you earn one work credit for every $1,640 in earnings (as of 2025), up to a maximum of four credits per year. Typically, you need 40 credits, 20 of which must have been earned in the last 10 years.
• Disability Criteria: You must also meet the SSA’s definition of disability. This means that you have a medical condition that prevents you from working and is expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death.

Step 2: Ensure You Have Proper Documentation of Your Self-Employment Income

As a self-employed individual, your income may be more difficult to track than that of someone with a traditional job. However, it’s important to provide accurate and thorough documentation to prove your work history and income to the SSA. This can include:

• Tax Returns: Provide your most recent federal tax returns (including Schedule C or Schedule SE) as proof of income. The SSA uses your tax returns to assess your work history and determine whether you meet the income requirements for SSDI.
• Profit and Loss Statements: If you are self-employed, you can also provide profit and loss (P&L) statements for your business. These should show your income, expenses, and net profit or loss over time.
• Records of Payments: If applicable, provide records of payments made to you, such as contracts, invoices, or statements of earnings.
• Social Security Payments: As a self-employed individual, you are required to pay Social Security taxes, usually through self-employment taxes (SECA). Provide records of your tax payments to show that you’ve been contributing to Social Security.

Step 3: Understand the SSA’s Criteria for Disability

For your SSDI claim to be approved, the SSA will evaluate whether your medical condition is severe enough to prevent you from working. You must show that your condition prevents you from doing your job, whether it’s in your previous occupation or any other type of work. The SSA uses a five-step process to determine if you qualify:

• Step 1: Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): If you are currently working and earning above a certain threshold (for 2025, it’s $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals), the SSA may determine that you are not disabled. If you are not working or earn less than this threshold, the SSA will move to the next step.
• Step 2: Severe Condition: Your condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work tasks, such as sitting, standing, walking, or focusing.
• Step 3: Meets a Listing: If your condition is included in the SSA’s Listing of Impairments (a list of specific conditions that automatically qualify you for SSDI), you may be presumed disabled.
• Step 4: Past Work: The SSA will evaluate whether you can still perform your previous work. If you cannot, they will move to the next step.
• Step 5: Other Work: The SSA will determine whether you can do any other type of work based on your skills, education, and experience.

Step 4: Fill Out the SSDI Application Accurately

To apply for SSDI as a self-employed person, you can apply online at www.ssa.gov or by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment. Be sure to provide as much detail as possible about your self-employment history and medical condition. When filling out the application, keep the following in mind:

• Be Detailed: The more specific you are about your medical condition and how it prevents you from working, the better your chances of success.
• Provide Medical Records: Include all medical documentation that supports your claim, such as doctor’s notes, test results, treatment history, and anything else that shows the severity of your condition.
• Provide Work History: Describe your work history in detail, including how long you’ve been self-employed and how your disability has impacted your ability to continue your work.

Step 5: Track the Status of Your Application and Follow Up

Once you submit your application, you can check the status of your claim through the SSA’s online portal. It’s important to stay organized, and if you’re requested to submit additional information or documents, respond as quickly as possible to avoid delays.

Step 6: Be Prepared for a Possible Denial

It’s common for SSDI claims to be denied initially, even if you have a valid case. If your claim is denied, don’t be discouraged—you can appeal the decision. The appeal process includes:

• Requesting Reconsideration: The first step is to request that the SSA reviews your case again.
• Requesting a Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) to present your case in person.

Step 7: Seek Legal Assistance If Needed

If you are having difficulty navigating the SSDI process or if your claim has been denied, consulting with a Social Security disability lawyer can significantly improve your chances of success. A lawyer can help you:

• Gather and organize your medical and financial records.
• Ensure your application is complete and accurate.
• Represent you in hearings if your claim is denied.