How To Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits

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

This article focuses on the process of applying for SSDI or SSI benefits. Speak with a disability benefits lawyer to get personalized legal advice about your eligibility and the application process. 

How To File for Social Security Disability Benefits

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

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

Check Your Eligibility First

Before you apply, verify whether your condition matches the SSA’s definition of disability.

Eligibility for Social Security disability benefits requires a determination that:

• You can’t do the work you previously did
• You can’t adjust to other work because of medical conditions
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last at least a year or result in death

Other eligibility requirements relate to your current and past work. One is that you must have enough work history to qualify for SSDI benefits. Another requirement is that you currently have limited income. Your earnings can’t exceed what the SSA considers to be substantial gainful activity.

If you have questions about eligibility for SSDI or SSI, speak with your disability law attorney. Other programs and options may be available if you have no work history or only have a temporary disability, such as pregnancy. A lawyer can help you explore related issues, such as FMLA leave, private disability insurance benefits, or Medicaid and Medicare.

Get Your Medical Evidence

Before you call or fill out an online application, make sure your medical record is complete. The SSA will need proof of your condition and the extent of impairment. A self-diagnosis is not enough to claim disability benefits. Generally, you must go to the doctor to properly document your condition.

You’ll want to provide more proof than just your diagnosis. Speak to your health care provider about any details that are missing in your medical records before applying for benefits.

You will need the following information for your Adult Disability Report:

• Contact information of a reference who can discuss your medical condition with a Social Security representative
• Contact information and treatment dates for all relevant medical service providers, such as your primary care provider, physical therapist, psychologist, and any specialists
• Prescription medications you are taking and the name(s) of each prescribing doctor
• Dates of medical tests or surgical procedures and names of the referring doctors
• Details of any hospital stays or other periods in a medical facility

You’ll also need to describe the details of your disability. Gather a list of all conditions that limit your ability to work. This can include mental conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Be detailed and thorough in describing how your limitations prevent you from working.

Gather Your Claim Information

If you apply for SSDI benefits, your application will require detailed information. It’s a good idea to collect all this information before starting the SSDI application.

The SSA provides a checklist for online adult disability applications, which includes details like the following (if applicable):

• Dates of all marriages and divorces
• Names and birth dates of your spouse and minor children
• U.S. military service information for all active-duty periods
• Employer information and work time for the past few years
• Your business type and net income if you are self-employed

Much of the information is routine, but some will require more thought. For example, if you don’t know your Social Security Number (SSN), you may need to get it through the SSA.gov website.

You’ll be asked to enter your onset date of disability. This is the date you became unable to work. Perhaps your disability arose from a medical condition that worsened over time. In that case, you’ll want to look back to the date when your illness began to impair your ability to work. If you have medical records of your illness, reviewing them may help you determine your onset date.

Decide How You Want To Receive Benefits

Your application will ask how you prefer to collect the benefits if your claim is approved. The SSA no longer sends paper disability checks in the mail. Instead, you have two electronic options for monthly payments.

The first option is a direct deposit. If you set up a direct deposit, your benefits will show up in your bank account. You’ll need to provide your bank account details when you apply. This option is popular because it provides easy access and flexibility.

The second option is to get a Direct Express prepaid debit card. The federal government runs the program for these cards, so there are no extra fees for using one. If you choose this option, the government will add your benefit amount to your debit card balance each month. You can use this card like a regular debit card, such as using it to withdraw your benefits as cash from an ATM. This option is available for people who don’t have a bank account or don’t want to provide their account details.

Apply Online or in Person

You can apply online for SSDI benefits on the SSA’s official website. If you apply online, you will also need to complete the SSA’s Authorization form and mail it to your nearest Social Security office.

Otherwise, you can apply in person by making an appointment at your local Social Security office. Bring all of your documents with you, including your ID. In-person appointments can be helpful if you need assistance or have a complex disability case.

Applying for Your Child’s Disability Benefits

Parents can also seek Social Security benefits for their children. Because minors usually have no work history, they aren’t eligible for SSDI. Instead, a child with a disability may be eligible for SSI benefits.

Applying for your family member’s SSI benefits is similar to the SSDI application process. An SSI application requires medical evidence of a disability and some household information. The SSA also considers some of the parents’ income when deciding whether to award SSI benefits for a child.

What Happens After Applying for Benefits?

Once you’ve applied, your state’s Disability Determination Services (DDS) office will decide whether your medical condition qualifies you for benefits. A decision is reached by looking at your medical records and evidence from your doctors.

Many Social Security claims are initially denied. You have the right to appeal a claim denial, but it is easier if you can avoid that process by filing a strong claim.

If the DDS approves your disability claim, you can start to receive benefits. Depending on the timing, you may have to complete a waiting period before your benefits begin. This period is five months after your disability onset date. After the waiting period ends, the SSA will pay you the monthly benefit.

Have an Attorney Review Your Disability Claim

If you’re considering filing a disability claim due to an injury or medical condition, pay close attention to the details. Have an attorney experienced in disability benefits review your claim and provide legal advice. An attorney can also help you determine whether you have a personal injury claim if your disability relates to a recent accident.