The Disability Insurance (SSDI) program is one of several initiatives managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and its purpose is to provide monthly income to people who cannot work due to a long-term disability, which is permanent, or that will end with the death of the person.
These benefits are designed for those who have worked and contributed to Social Security before facing physical or mental limitations. This means that, to be eligible, you must meet numerous requirements and criteria established by the SSA. If you don’t know what they are, and you are thinking about applying to receive SSDI benefits, keep reading and discover everything you need to know to make the process simple and fluid.
How to know if you are eligible for disability benefits (SSDI)
The first thing you should know is if your condition is eligible, and for this there are various categories: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Special Senses and Speech, Respiratory Disorders, Cardiovascular System, Digestive Disorders, Genitourinary Disorders, Hematological Disorders, Skin Disorders, Endocrine Disorders, Congenital Disorders that Affect Multiple Body Systems, Neurological Disorders, Mental Disorders, Cancer (Malignant Neoplastic Diseases), and Immune System Disorders.
All qualifying diseases in these categories are listed on this official SSA website, where you can check whether it is included or not. If you passed that filter, the agency will now ask you to prove that your condition is severe, meaning that it limits your ability to work for at least 12 months or could result in death.
You need to have accumulated enough “work credits,” which you earn over time by paying Social Security taxes during your working years. The number of credits required depends on your age at the time of disability. If your disability prevents you from not only performing your previous job, but also adapting to other jobs, you can qualify much more easily.
How to Apply for SSDI Benefits: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is detailed but manageable if you follow these steps carefully. Keep in mind that there may be other requirements apart from these that the SSA officer may ask of you at some point in the process.
Gather the necessary documentation:
- Medical evidence of your condition (medical reports, test results, etc.).
- Work history (W-2 or tax returns).
- Personal identification (Social Security card, birth certificate, etc.).
Complete the application:
- Online: Through the official SSA portal (www.ssa.gov).
- By phone: By calling 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- In person: Visiting a local Social Security office (by appointment recommended).
Present your medical evidence:
- The SSA relies on your medical records to determine if your disability meets their criteria. It is crucial that your doctor detail how your condition affects your ability to work.
How do you know if your SSDI application was approved?
Once the entire process was completed and the SSA is satisfied with all the documentation presented, you will have to wait between three and five months to find out if you were approved. You will be notified by postal mail if you were approved, as well as the amount you will receive and the date you will begin receiving payments.
In the meantime, and if you think that postal communication is taking a while, you can consult the official SSA portal by logging into your “My Social Security” account. If you prefer direct contact, call 1-800-772-1213 and request information about the status of your application. If you have additional questions, you can visit a Social Security office near you for personalized answers.
If your application was rejected, don’t be discouraged. More than 60% of initial applications are denied, but you can appeal the decision through the same channels in which you made the application. You may be summoned to a hearing before an administrative law judge, if necessary, so having a lawyer specialized in disability and SSDI increases your chances of success.
