How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits
You can apply for Social Security Disability benefits online, by telephone, or through a local Social Security office. Preparing your medical, employment, and personal information in advance can make the application easier to complete.
Step 1: Identify the Benefits That May Apply
The Social Security Administration administers two primary disability programs:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is generally based on an applicant’s work history and Social Security work credits.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs-based program for qualifying individuals with limited income and resources.
Some people may be eligible to apply for both programs.
Step 2: Gather Your Personal Information
Before beginning, collect basic information about yourself and your family, including:
- Social Security number
- Date and place of birth
- Marriage and divorce information
- Names and dates of birth of dependent children
- Banking information for direct deposit
- Information about other benefits you receive or have applied for
Social Security may request additional documents to verify identity, citizenship or immigration status, earnings, and other eligibility factors.
Step 3: Prepare Your Medical Information
Create a complete list of your physical and mental health conditions. Include information about:
- Doctors, hospitals, clinics, and therapists
- Provider addresses and telephone numbers
- Dates of examinations and treatment
- Medications and prescribing providers
- Medical tests and test dates
- Surgeries, hospitalizations, and emergency treatment
- Assistive devices you use
- Symptoms and functional limitations
Include every condition that affects your ability to work, even if one condition seems less serious than another.
Step 4: Prepare Your Work History
Social Security will ask about jobs you performed during the relevant period. For each job, be prepared to describe:
- Job title and employment dates
- Hours worked each day or week
- Lifting and carrying requirements
- Time spent sitting, standing, or walking
- Equipment, tools, or machinery used
- Supervisory or decision-making duties
- Concentration and communication requirements
- Reasons you stopped working
Use specific details. A job title alone may not explain the actual physical and mental demands of the work.
Step 5: Choose How to Apply
Depending on the type of claim and your circumstances, you may apply:
- Online through the Social Security Administration
- By telephone
- By appointment through a local Social Security office
The online application may allow eligible adults to begin from home, save their progress, and return later. Some applications or benefit types may require a telephone or office appointment.
Step 6: Complete the Application Carefully
Answer each question accurately and completely. Explain how your medical conditions affect your ability to perform work-related activities such as:
- Sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and carrying
- Concentrating and remembering
- Following instructions
- Completing tasks at an appropriate pace
- Maintaining regular attendance
- Interacting with other people
- Handling stress and changes in routine
Review the application before submitting it. Check names, dates, medical providers, medications, and job information for errors or omissions.
Step 7: Sign the Medical Release
Social Security may request authorization to obtain medical information from your treatment providers. Completing the appropriate medical release helps the agency request records needed to evaluate the claim.
Submitting a release does not guarantee that every relevant record will be received. Keep your treatment information current and provide requested records when possible.
Step 8: Save Your Confirmation and Copies
After submitting the application:
- Save the confirmation number or receipt.
- Keep a copy of the information submitted.
- Record the date of application.
- Keep copies of forms, letters, and medical documents.
- Make notes about telephone conversations with Social Security.
Organized records can be useful if questions arise or an appeal becomes necessary.
Step 9: Respond to Follow-Up Requests
Social Security or a state Disability Determination Services agency may request additional forms, medical information, or details about daily activities and previous work.
Respond within the stated deadlines. You may also be asked to attend a consultative examination if the available evidence is not sufficient to make a decision.
Report changes in your address, telephone number, medical treatment, work activity, or health conditions while the claim is pending.
What Happens After You Apply?
Social Security reviews the applicable non-medical requirements. The claim may then be sent to Disability Determination Services for a medical evaluation.
After the review is completed, Social Security sends a written decision. If the claim is denied, the notice should explain the reason and provide information about appeal rights and deadlines.
Need Information About Applying?
EASYDISABILITY provides general nationwide information about SSDI, SSI, disability applications, medical evidence, claim denials, appeals, hearings, and working while disabled.
You may submit a no-cost inquiry if you have questions about the application process or possible next steps. There is no obligation to move forward.
