Understanding the Two Types of Disability Benefits

There are two main types of Social Security Disability benefits:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): This is available to individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes. To qualify, you must have earned enough work credits based on your past work history.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): This is a needs-based program for individuals with disabilities who have limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. SSI is typically available to people with low income and no significant work history.

Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for either SSDI or SSI benefits, you must meet certain basic criteria:

• Have a Qualifying Disability: Your disability must be severe enough to prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA), which means you are unable to work or earn above a specific income threshold.
• Duration of the Disability: Your disability must last for at least 12 consecutive months or be expected to result in death. Temporary conditions or injuries typically do not qualify for disability benefits.
• Work History (For SSDI): To qualify for SSDI, you must have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. Typically, you need at least 20 work credits earned over the last 10 years, but the exact number of work credits required depends on your age at the time of disability.
• Income and Resources (For SSI): SSI is for individuals who have limited income and resources. You must meet the SSA’s guidelines for income, and your resources (such as savings, property, etc.) must not exceed a certain limit. For example, as of 2025, the resource limit for individuals is $2,000, and $3,000 for couples.

Prove That You Are Unable to Work

The most crucial part of qualifying for disability benefits is proving that your disability prevents you from working. The Social Security Administration (SSA) evaluates your condition based on a five-step process to determine whether you are disabled:

• Step 1: Are You Currently Working?
• If you are earning above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level, which is $1,470 per month (as of 2025), you will not qualify for benefits. If you are not working or earning below this threshold, they will move to the next step.
• Step 2: Is Your Condition Severe?
• Your condition must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities. The SSA will evaluate whether your condition is severe enough to impair your ability to do everyday tasks, such as lifting, standing, walking, or concentrating.
• Step 3: Does Your Condition Meet a Listing?
• The SSA has a Listing of Impairments that includes medical conditions that automatically qualify for benefits. If your condition is on the list and meets the required severity, you may automatically qualify. However, many disabilities, including some types of back pain, mental disorders, and fibromyalgia, may not be listed, and you must proceed to the next steps.
• Step 4: Can You Do Your Past Work?
• The SSA will review whether you can perform the work you did before your disability. If your condition prevents you from doing your previous job, they will proceed to the next step.
• Step 5: Can You Do Any Other Work?
• Finally, the SSA will evaluate if you are capable of performing any other type of work, considering your age, education, skills, and the severity of your disability. If the SSA determines that you cannot perform any other type of work, you may qualify for benefits.

Submit the Required Documentation

To qualify for disability benefits, you must provide the SSA with comprehensive and accurate documentation. This typically includes:

• Medical Records: Detailed records of your diagnosis, treatment history, and how your disability impacts your ability to function. Be sure to include records from all your healthcare providers, specialists, hospitals, and clinics.
• Work History: For SSDI, you will need to provide a detailed work history, including the jobs you’ve held, your job duties, and how long you worked in each position.
• Income and Resources Information (For SSI): You’ll need to submit information regarding your income, assets, and living situation for SSI eligibility.

The Application Process

Here’s how to apply for disability benefits:

• Online Application: You can apply for SSDI or SSI benefits online through the SSA website at www.ssa.gov. The online application is often the easiest and fastest way to apply.
• In-Person or Phone Application: If you prefer, you can apply by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local SSA office. You may be required to attend an interview.
• Prepare for Delays: Disability claims often take a significant amount of time to process. It’s common for applications to take several months or even longer. Be prepared for a possible denial on the first attempt and understand that you have the right to appeal the decision.

What Happens If You’re Denied?

Many initial disability claims are denied, even if you have a valid disability. If your application is denied, you can request an appeal. The appeals process involves several steps:

• Reconsideration: The first stage of the appeal process, where SSA reviews your case again.
• Hearing Before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ): If your case is still denied after reconsideration, you can request a hearing where an ALJ will review your case in more detail.
• Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can appeal to the SSA Appeals Council.
• Federal Court: If all else fails, you can take your case to federal court.