The Social Security Disability Application Process
Applying for Social Security Disability benefits involves more than completing a single form. The Social Security Administration reviews an applicant’s personal information, work history, medical conditions, treatment records, and ability to perform work-related activities.
Understanding the basic steps can help you prepare a more complete application and respond to requests for additional information.
SSDI and SSI Disability Benefits
Social Security administers two primary disability programs:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Eligibility is generally based on an applicant’s work history and Social Security work credits.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A needs-based program for qualifying adults and children with limited income and resources.
Some people may qualify to apply for both programs. Although the financial and non-medical requirements differ, Social Security generally uses the same adult medical disability standard for SSDI and SSI claims.
Step 1: Gather Your Information
Before beginning an application, collect as much relevant information as possible. This may include:
- Your Social Security number and identifying information
- Information about your spouse, former spouses, and dependent children
- Names and contact details for doctors, hospitals, clinics, and therapists
- Dates of medical treatment
- Diagnoses, symptoms, and medical test results
- Names and dosages of medications
- Information about jobs performed during the relevant period
- Dates you worked and descriptions of your job duties
- Education and vocational training
- Information about workers’ compensation or other disability benefits
Do not necessarily delay an application solely because every medical record or document is not immediately available. Provide complete and accurate information about where you received treatment so Social Security can request relevant records.
Step 2: Submit the Application
Depending on the type of claim and individual circumstances, an application may be started:
- Online through the Social Security Administration
- By telephone
- Through a local Social Security office
The application asks for information about the medical conditions that limit your ability to work, when those limitations began, the treatment you have received, and your employment history.
Applicants should answer each question carefully. Incomplete dates, missing treatment sources, or vague descriptions of previous work may make it more difficult to evaluate the claim.
Step 3: Non-Medical Eligibility Review
Social Security first reviews whether the applicant meets the applicable non-medical requirements.
For an SSDI claim, this may include reviewing the applicant’s work history and insured status. For an SSI claim, Social Security may examine income, resources, living arrangements, and other financial eligibility factors.
Meeting the non-medical requirements does not automatically establish disability. The claim must also satisfy Social Security’s medical rules.
Step 4: Medical Review by Disability Determination Services
If the basic requirements are met, the claim is generally sent to a state Disability Determination Services agency, often called DDS.
DDS reviews the medical evidence and other information to decide whether the applicant meets Social Security’s definition of disability. The agency may request records from doctors, hospitals, clinics, and other treatment providers.
The review may consider:
- The nature and severity of the medical conditions
- How long the conditions have lasted or are expected to last
- Symptoms and treatment history
- Physical and mental limitations
- The ability to perform previous work
- The ability to adjust to other types of work
Step 5: Respond to Requests for Additional Information
During the review, Social Security or DDS may ask the applicant to complete additional forms. These forms may request more information about daily activities, symptoms, previous jobs, or functional limitations.
Responding accurately and within the requested time is important. Applicants should also report changes in their address, telephone number, medical treatment, work activity, or health conditions.
Consultative Examinations
If the available medical evidence is insufficient to make a decision, DDS may schedule a consultative examination with a medical or psychological professional.
This examination is intended to provide additional information. It does not replace regular medical treatment. Attending a scheduled examination and cooperating with reasonable requests can be important to the claim.
Step 6: The Initial Decision
After reviewing the available evidence, Social Security issues a written decision.
If the claim is approved, Social Security will provide information about benefits, payment calculations, and any additional steps that may be required.
If the claim is denied, the notice should explain the decision and provide instructions for filing an appeal. Appeal deadlines are limited, so it is important to review the notice promptly.
What If the Application Is Denied?
An initial denial does not always end a disability claim. Depending on where the applicant lives and the stage of the case, the appeals process may include:
- Reconsideration
- A hearing before an administrative law judge
- Appeals Council review
- Review in federal court
Each level has specific requirements and deadlines. Filing a new application instead of appealing may affect the claim, including the period under consideration or potential past-due benefits. Applicants should carefully review their notices before deciding what to do next.
Tips for Preparing an Application
The following steps may help create a clearer and more complete claim:
- List every physical and mental condition that affects your ability to work.
- Provide complete contact information for medical providers.
- Describe previous job duties accurately and in detail.
- Explain how symptoms affect everyday and work-related activities.
- Keep copies of forms, notices, and submitted documents.
- Continue appropriate medical treatment when possible.
- Respond promptly to correspondence from Social Security or DDS.
- Report changes in medical treatment, work activity, or contact information.
Learn More About Applying for Disability
The disability application process can involve medical, employment, and financial information. Understanding what Social Security requests—and why it requests it—can make the process easier to follow.
EASYDISABILITY provides general nationwide information about SSDI, SSI, disability applications, medical evidence, denials, appeals, hearings, and working while disabled. You may also submit a no-cost inquiry to receive information about possible next steps.
