How Do I Apply For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Last Updated: 3/13/2025

If you’re doing your best to manage life with a disability and finding it difficult to stay in the workforce, the financial and emotional burdens can be overwhelming. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial relief to individuals who, due to severe health conditions are unable to work. SSDI offers a lifeline, helping eligible individuals cover living expenses, medical costs and regain some sense of financial stability.

In this guide, we’ll break down the SSDI application process into manageable steps, explaining the eligibility requirements, the various ways you can apply and what you’ll need to complete your application.

What Is Needed To Be Eligible?

The SSDI program is a federal benefit designed specifically for individuals who cannot work due to severe disabilities. But eligibility isn’t automatic. To qualify for SSDI, you must demonstrate that you’ve worked in jobs covered by FICA taxes, and your disability must meet Social Security’s strict criteria.

To be eligible for SSDI, applicants generally need to meet three fundamental requirements:

1. Age and Work Credits: SSDI eligibility hinges on your age and work history, measured in “credits” you’ve earned by working and paying FICA taxes. You need at least 20 work credits from the past 10 years if you’re over 30, though younger individuals may require fewer credits.
2. Severe Health Condition: Social Security only grants SSDI benefits to individuals with severe health conditions expected to last at least one year or result in death.
3. Inability to Work: The SSA defines disability as being unable to work due to a physical or mental impairment. The impairment must be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Those who may qualify for SSDI include individuals with significant physical or mental impairments. Chronic illnesses like arthritis, heart disease or diabetes, as well as conditions like depression, anxiety or PTSD, can often meet eligibility criteria if they substantially limit your ability to work. Veterans with service-related injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries or musculoskeletal issues, may also qualify based on similar requirements for work credits and the severity of their disability.

What Are The Different Ways To Apply?

There are several ways you can apply for SSDI based on your preferences and comfort level. Whether you choose to apply online, by phone or in person, make sure you gather all necessary information in advance.

The best way to apply is through a representative such as Allsup. Allsup helps more claimants get approved at the application level than any other SSDI representative nationwide. The advantages are considerable:

• We have over 40 years of experience in getting people approved for SSDI.
• We have helped over 400,000 people get approved for SSDI.
• If you use a representative like Allsup, you have a 50% higher likelihood of receiving benefits.
• Having an expert representative when you first apply improves the likelihood that you will get your benefits early. That means a possible six-month wait instead of two or three years.

If you choose to apply on your own, there are several options.

Online

Applying for SSDI online is straightforward and convenient, allowing you to avoid travel to a Social Security office.

If applying on your own, follow these steps:

1. Visit the SSA’s website and create an account (if you don’t already have one). This lets you save and review your application as you progress.
2. Navigate to the Disability section.
3. Complete the application, providing required personal, work, and medical information.
4. Submit your application and any electronic documentation.

When utilizing Allsup to represent you in your disability claim, you have the advantage of using our empower by Allsup^® application system. empower is a secure, easy-to-use application platform in plain language with 24/7 access and expert live or online help at any step in the process.

Phone Call

If you’d prefer to apply by phone, call the SSA directly. Before calling, have all your personal information, work history and medical details ready, as the representative will need to gather these details. SSA representatives are available on weekdays and can assist with questions or issues that may arise.

When using Allsup to represent you, your application information is taken in high detail to ensure it is entered accurately and completely. This is key in avoiding additional delays and possibly denial of your initial application.

In-Person

If you prefer face-to-face support, you can also apply in person at a local SSA office. Be prepared to bring all necessary documentation and set an appointment in advance, if possible, as offices often experience high demand.

Allsup has experience navigating the SSA’s criteria and submission procedures and can help ensure your application is complete, organized and has the highest chance for approval – potentially saving you from the frustration of denial and lengthy appeals.

What Information Is Needed For The Application?

Some of the information needed is basic, such as full name, Social Security number, date of birth and other personal identity information. This helps the SSA verify your identity and link your work history with your application.

Your medical records are also crucial. Be prepared to submit:

• Diagnoses and treatment records from all relevant healthcare providers.
• Dates and descriptions of medical treatments and prescriptions.
• Contact information for doctors, clinics and hospitals involved in your care.

Providing detailed and up-to-date medical information strengthens your application by clearly illustrating the severity of your condition.

The SSA also requires information about your work history, including:

• The jobs you’ve held over the last 5 years.
• The type of work performed and duties involved.
• Start and end dates for each position.

Work history can affect benefit calculations and eligibility, especially if your work credits are limited.

Finally, include any relevant financial information, such as other benefits received. This helps the SSA determine eligibility and calculate potential benefits.

What Helps Make An Application Successful?

While all the information matters, there are some specific tips which help ensure a smooth, timely process and maximize your likelihood of approval.

• Gather Complete Documentation: Ensure all medical and personal records are accurate and up-to-date.
• Describe Your Disability Clearly: Use specific examples to illustrate how your disability impacts your daily life and work capacity.
• Maintain Consistent Medical Care: Consistent documentation from ongoing treatment supports your application.
• Keep Communication Open: Respond quickly to any SSA inquiries.
• Use An Experienced Representative Such As Allsup: Our expertise can ease the process, maximizing your likelihood of a positive outcome.

What Should I Expect And Do After Applying?

Confirmation And Tracking

Once you submit your application, SSA will send a confirmation number, which you should save for tracking. You can also check the status of your application through your SSA account.

On average, it can take 8 to 10 months to receive an initial decision. The SSA has a five-month waiting period that starts as of the established onset date of disability, however this is usually in the past by the time the case is awarded and does not add to that overall timeframe. The SSA may reach out for additional information or clarification. It’s important to respond promptly to ensure your application moves smoothly through processing.

Initial Review

SSA’s initial review determines if you meet the basic requirements. During this stage, the SSA evaluates your work credits and confirms your disability’s severity based on the medical documentation you provided.

Unfortunately, a large percentage of initial SSDI applications are denied due to reasons such as insufficient medical evidence, incomplete or inaccurate information or failure to meet SSA’s disability criteria.

If Denied

You may receive a denial. If so, don’t lose hope—many applicants succeed through the appeals process.

If denied, you can request a reconsideration (the first level of appeal), where a different SSA examiner reviews your application. Additional appeal stages include hearings with an administrative law judge and, if necessary, further appeals to the Appeals Council or federal court.

Assisting you with your appeal is another way an expert disability representative such as Allsup can make the difference. Allsup has among the best success rates in obtaining approval across the various levels of appeals, including Reconsideration, Hearing, and Appeals Council. Allsup helps more claimants get approved at the application level than any other SSDI representative nationwide. 97 percent of the people who complete the SSDI process with Allsup receive SSDI benefits.

Start Your Application With Confidence

Applying for SSDI can be daunting, but understanding the steps and requirements can make it more manageable. With the right preparation and support, you can navigate the SSDI application process confidently. Whether you’re applying online, by phone or with the help of a professional representative, the path to SSDI is achievable. Reach out to Allsup for guidance and a better chance at the benefits you deserve. Let our trusted experience help you make a positive difference in your life.

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