Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

What is SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), also known as "Disability," provides monthly financial assistance to individuals with a medical condition that significantly restricts or prevents them from working.

SSDI is a federal program that is funded through payroll taxes, meaning only workers who have paid into Social Security through FICA taxes are eligible to apply.

Disability benefits are paid by Social Security through 2 programs: the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.

Who is Eligible for SSDI?

To qualify for SSDI, you must meet the following requirements:

• Work Credits: You must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years (varies by age at the time of disability).

• Severe Disability: Your medical condition must prevent you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

• Medical Evidence: You must provide sufficient medical records proving your disability.

• Not Currently Working: Earning above the SSA’s income threshold can disqualify you from benefits.

Who Can Receive Social Security Disability Benefits?

Social Security provides disability benefits to individuals who cannot work due to a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Federal law applies a strict definition of disability, meaning SSDI does not cover partial or short-term disabilities.

For most individuals, eligibility requires working for at least 5 of the last 10 years before becoming disabled. However, younger applicants under age 24 may qualify with fewer years of work experience.

Certain family members of disabled workers may also qualify for benefits, which is explained in the “Can My Family Get Benefits?” section.

Earnings Requirement for Disability Benefits

To be eligible for SSDI, you must pass two earnings tests:

1. Recent Work Test – Based on your age when you became disabled, this test ensures that you have worked recently enough to qualify.

2. Duration of Work Test – Demonstrates that you have worked long enough under Social Security to be eligible for benefits.

For certain workers who are legally blind, only the duration of work test applies.

When Should I Apply and What Information Do I Need?

You should apply for disability benefits as soon as you develop a disability, as the application process can take 6 to 8 months on average.

To apply for disability benefits, you will need to complete an application for Social Security benefits. You can apply online at SSA.gov. Your application may be processed faster if you provide the necessary information, including:

• Your Social Security number.

• Your date and place of birth.

• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors, caseworkers, hospitals, and clinics that provided care, along with dates of visits.

• Names and dosages of all medications you take.

• Medical records from doctors, therapists, hospitals, and caseworkers that you already have.

• Laboratory and test results.

• A summary of your work history and the kind of work you did.

• A copy of your most recent W-2 Form or, if self-employed, your federal tax returns for the past year.

In addition to the application for disability benefits, you will also need to complete other forms. One form collects information about your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work. Other forms provide permission for doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers to send the SSA details about your medical condition.

Do not delay applying for benefits if you cannot gather all the necessary information immediately. The SSA can assist you in obtaining required documents.

What Happens When My Claim is Approved?

Once your application is approved, you will receive an official letter notifying you of the approval. This letter will include details about:

• Your monthly benefit amount.

• The effective date of your benefits.

Your monthly disability benefit is based on your average lifetime earnings. Generally, SSDI benefits include a 5-month waiting period, meaning your first payment is issued in the sixth full month after your disability begins. However, individuals with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are exempt from this waiting period.

For example, if your disability is determined to have started on January 15, your first SSDI benefit will be paid for July, which you will receive in August, since Social Security benefits are paid the month after they are due.

You will also receive the “What You Need to Know When You Get Disability Benefits” publication, which provides important information regarding your benefits and any necessary reporting requirements.

Can My Family Get Benefits?

Certain family members may qualify for benefits based on your work history, including:

• Your spouse, if they are age 62 or older.

• Your spouse at any age, if they are caring for your child who is younger than 16 or has a disability.

• Your unmarried child, including an adopted child, stepchild, or grandchild, if they are younger than 18 (or under 19 and still in high school).

• Your unmarried child age 18 or older, if they have a disability that began before age 22. The child’s disability must meet the same definition as SSDI for adults.

Additionally, in certain cases, a divorced spouse may be eligible for benefits if:

• They were married to you for at least 10 years.

• They are not currently married.

• They are at least 62 years old.

Benefits paid to a divorced spouse do not affect the benefits you, your current spouse, or your children receive.

 

How to Apply for SSDI

There are three main ways to apply for SSDI benefits: online, by phone, or in person.

1. Applying Online (Fastest & Preferred Method)

• Visit ssa.gov/disability 

• Complete the SSDI application form.

• Upload necessary documents (medical records, work history, etc.).

• Submit the application and monitor your status online.

2. Applying by Phone

• Call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).

• Provide personal and medical details over the phone.

• Mail or fax required documents if requested.

3. Applying in Person

• Visit your nearest Social Security office (Use the Office Locator to find one).

• Bring the required documents and fill out an application with the help of an SSA representative.

Documents Required for SSDI Application

• Proof of Identity (Driver’s License, Passport, or State ID)

• Social Security Number (SSN)

• Birth Certificate

• Employment History & Work Credits Information

• Recent Tax Records (W-2s or 1099s)

• Medical Records & Physician Statements

• List of Medications & Treatments

SSDI Application Process & Timeline

• Initial Application: Processing typically takes 3-5 months.

• Decision Notice: If approved, you will receive a benefits letter.

• Appeals Process: If denied, you can request reconsideration or a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge.

• Waiting Period: SSDI benefits begin 5 months after your disability date.

• Medicare Eligibility: After 24 months of SSDI benefits, you qualify for Medicare.

Checking the Status of Your Application

You can track your SSDI application status:

• Online via SSA.gov

• By phone at 1-800-772-1213

• In person at your local SSA office

What Happens After SSDI Approval?

• You will receive monthly payments based on your earnings history.

• Your benefits will continue as long as your disability lasts.

• Periodic Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) may be required to verify your condition.

Conclusion

Applying for SSDI can be complex, but understanding the eligibility requirements and process can help ensure a smooth application. If you believe you qualify, start your application online, by phone, or at a Social Security office to begin receiving the benefits you need.

For more details and to apply, visit ssa.gov/disability or call 1-800-772-1213.