Applying for Social Security Disability Benefits
Social Security disability benefits may provide financial assistance to individuals who cannot work because of a qualifying medical condition. The application process requires information about your health, treatment, employment history, and the ways your condition limits your ability to work.
Preparing before you apply can help you provide complete and accurate information.
Understanding SSDI and SSI
The Social Security Administration manages two primary disability programs:
- Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Benefits for eligible individuals who have earned sufficient work credits through employment covered by Social Security.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A needs-based program for eligible individuals with limited income and financial resources.
Some applicants may qualify for one program, while others may be considered for both. Each program has nonmedical eligibility requirements, but both generally use the same medical standards when evaluating disability.
Information You May Need to Apply
Social Security may request personal, medical, and employment information as part of your application.
Personal Information
You may need to provide:
- Your Social Security number
- Your date and place of birth
- Information about your spouse or former spouses
- Information about your children
- Citizenship or immigration information
- Banking details for direct deposit
Medical Information
Be prepared to provide information about:
- Your illnesses, injuries, and medical conditions
- Doctors, hospitals, clinics, and other treatment providers
- Treatment dates and patient identification numbers
- Medications and the professionals who prescribed them
- Medical tests and test results
- Someone familiar with your condition who may be contacted
You should also explain how your condition affects activities such as sitting, standing, walking, lifting, concentrating, following instructions, and interacting with others.
Employment Information
Social Security may ask for:
- Your recent employers and earnings
- The dates you worked
- Your job titles and responsibilities
- The physical and mental requirements of your jobs
- The date your condition began affecting your ability to work
- Workers’ compensation or other disability-related benefits
Job titles alone may not fully explain your work. Describe the duties you actually performed and any changes you made because of your medical condition.
Ways to Apply for Disability Benefits
Depending on the benefit and your circumstances, you may be able to apply:
- Online through the Social Security Administration
- By telephone
- Through a local Social Security office
Social Security provides an Adult Disability Checklist that can help applicants gather necessary information before beginning an application.
Do not automatically delay an application because you do not have every document. Social Security may assist with obtaining certain records or advise you about the additional information it needs.
What Happens After You Apply?
After receiving an application, Social Security reviews the information and determines whether the applicant meets applicable nonmedical requirements. The claim may then be sent to a state disability determination agency for a medical decision.
During the review, you may be asked to:
- Provide additional medical information
- Complete forms about your daily activities
- Describe your previous employment
- Attend a consultative medical examination
- Respond to questions about your treatment or limitations
Replying to requests and keeping your contact information current may help prevent unnecessary delays.
If Your Application Is Denied
A denial does not necessarily end the process. Applicants generally have the right to appeal, but deadlines apply. The denial notice should explain the reason for the decision and provide instructions for requesting further review.
Review the notice carefully and act promptly if you intend to appeal.
Prepare a Complete Disability Application
A strong application should clearly explain your medical conditions, treatment history, work background, and functional limitations. Be accurate and consistent when describing how your condition affects your ability to perform work-related activities.
Contact us to request general information about disability applications, denials, appeals, hearings, and possible next steps.
