Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits

Social Security Disability benefits may provide financial support to eligible individuals whose physical or mental conditions prevent them from maintaining substantial work activity.

Applying can require detailed information about your health, treatment, work history, education, and daily limitations. Preparing this information before starting may help you submit a clearer and more complete claim.

Understanding SSDI and SSI

The Social Security Administration operates two primary disability programs:

Social Security Disability Insurance

Social Security Disability Insurance, commonly called SSDI, is generally available to workers who have earned enough Social Security work credits and meet the agency’s definition of disability.

The number of required work credits depends on factors such as the applicant’s age and recent work history. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income, commonly called SSI, is a needs-based program for eligible adults and children with limited income and resources.

SSI does not require the same work-credit history as SSDI. However, applicants must satisfy the program’s financial and other non-medical requirements.

Some applicants may be considered for both SSDI and SSI.

Social Security’s Definition of Disability

Social Security generally provides benefits for total disability rather than partial or short-term disability.

For an adult to qualify under the medical rules, the condition must generally:

• Prevent work at the substantial gainful activity level
• Prevent the applicant from performing past work or adjusting to other work
• Have lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 consecutive months, or be expected to result in death

A diagnosis alone does not establish eligibility. Social Security considers how the condition limits the person’s ability to perform work-related activities.

When Should You Apply?

Social Security recommends applying as soon as you become disabled. Waiting may affect when potential benefits can begin or the period Social Security evaluates.

You do not necessarily need to have every medical document in your possession before starting. You should, however, provide complete information about your medical providers, treatment history, conditions, and work background.

Information to Gather Before Applying

Preparing the following information may make the application easier to complete:

Personal Information

• Social Security number
• Date and place of birth
• Marriage and divorce information
• Information about dependent children
• Banking information for direct deposit

Medical Information

• Names of all physical and mental health conditions
• Doctors, hospitals, clinics, therapists, and other treatment providers
• Provider addresses and telephone numbers
• Dates of treatment
• Medications and prescribing providers
• Medical tests and approximate dates
• Information about emergency room visits or hospitalizations

Employment Information

• Jobs performed during the relevant period
• Dates worked for each employer
• Hours worked and earnings
• Detailed descriptions of job duties
• Physical and mental demands of each job
• The date your medical conditions affected your ability to work

Other Benefits

You may also need information about workers’ compensation, public disability benefits, military disability benefits, or other payments related to an illness or injury.

Ways to Apply

Depending on the benefit and your circumstances, you may apply:

• Online through the Social Security Administration
• By telephone
• Through a local Social Security office

Some types of benefits or individual situations may require a telephone or office appointment rather than a fully online application.

Describe Your Conditions and Limitations Clearly

The application should identify all physical and mental conditions that affect your ability to work, even if one condition appears more serious than the others.

When describing your limitations, consider how your symptoms affect activities such as:

• Sitting, standing, walking, lifting, and carrying
• Using your hands or reaching
• Concentrating and remembering information
• Following instructions and completing tasks
• Maintaining a regular schedule
• Interacting with supervisors, coworkers, or the public
• Handling stress or changes in routine

Be accurate and specific. Avoid minimizing serious limitations, but do not exaggerate symptoms or abilities.

Provide a Complete Work History

Social Security uses work-history information to evaluate whether you can return to previous work or adjust to other work.

A job title may not fully describe what a person did. Include practical details such as how much you lifted, how long you stood or walked, whether you operated equipment, and whether the job required concentration, decision-making, or frequent interaction with others.

What Happens After You Apply?

After receiving the application, Social Security reviews the non-medical eligibility requirements. The claim may then be sent to a state Disability Determination Services agency for a medical decision.

The agency may:

• Request medical records
• Ask the applicant to complete additional forms
• Contact treatment providers
• Request more information about daily activities or past work
• Schedule a consultative examination if the available evidence is insufficient

Applicants should respond promptly to requests and attend scheduled examinations.

Keep Your Information Updated

While the application is pending, report important changes such as:

• A new address or telephone number
• New diagnoses or medical treatment
• Hospitalizations or surgeries
• Changes in medications
• A return to work or change in earnings
• A change in household income or resources for an SSI claim

Keep copies of applications, forms, medical documents, and notices whenever possible.

If Your Claim Is Denied

Many applicants receive an unfavorable initial decision. A denial notice should explain the reason for the decision and provide instructions for appealing.

Appeal deadlines are limited. Review the notice promptly and do not assume that submitting a new application is the same as filing an appeal.

Get Information About the Next Step

Applying for disability benefits can be challenging, especially while managing a serious health condition. Learning what information Social Security reviews may help you better understand the process.

EASYDISABILITY provides general nationwide resources about SSDI, SSI, applications, medical evidence, denials, appeals, hearings, and working while disabled. You may also submit a no-cost inquiry for information about possible next steps.