{"id":353898,"date":"2014-08-05T21:19:27","date_gmt":"2014-08-06T02:19:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/socialsecurity\/disability\/applying-for-disability-benefits.html"},"modified":"2026-03-03T16:19:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-03T21:19:28","slug":"applying-for-disability-benefits","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/disability\/applying-for-disability-benefits.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits<\/h1>\n\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits is based on a number of factors and applicants must be careful to follow specific procedures.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Applying for disability benefits<\/span> from the Social Security Administration<\/span> (SSA<\/span>) can be a challenging process for recently disabled workers. This can be especially true if the disability makes daily activities difficult.<\/p>\n

This article focuses on the process of applying for SSDI<\/span> or SSI<\/span> benefits<\/span>. Speak with a disability benefits<\/span> lawyer<\/a> to get personalized legal advice about your eligibility<\/span> and the application process<\/span>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

How To File for Social Security <\/span>Disability Benefits<\/span><\/h2>\n

Suppose you become disabled as a worker before retirement age. In that case, you may qualify for benefits through the Social Security Disability Insurance<\/span> program. Disability coverage can protect you and your dependents from financial hardship if you\u2019re suddenly disabled due to a car accident<\/a>, other personal injury, or a new medical condition<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The benefits <\/span>application<\/span> process<\/span> is fairly straightforward. But you will need to prepare your claim well. A strong initial application<\/span> may help you avoid the appeals process<\/span> and get approval sooner.<\/p>\n

Check Your Eligibility<\/span> First<\/h3>\n

Before you apply, verify whether your condition matches the SSA<\/span>\u2019s definition of disability<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Eligibility<\/span> for Social Security <\/span>disability benefits<\/span> requires a determination that:<\/p>\n