If you suffer a disability that prevents you from working, then you probably know that you should apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) as soon as you qualify. However, navigating the Social Security disability system can be intimidating and confusing.
Applying for benefits does not have to be difficult, and it can be done in a variety of ways. If you need to apply for benefits, then keep reading as we will tell you exactly how to do so. We will even tell you what documentation you will need with your application and what happens once your application has been submitted.
Social Security Disability Benefits Overview
If you have suffered a disability and are unable to work, then you might be able to receive SSDI benefits. The type of benefits for which you qualify will depend on how much work history you have. If you have a sufficient earnings record, then you can qualify under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program. The benefit payments that you receive on this program are typically higher than the alternative.
Generally, you need to have worked for at least 10 years to qualify for these benefits. In addition, your disability must have lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 months. In some cases like a terminal illness, then you can qualify right away.
If you do not have the work history to qualify for SSDI benefits, then you might still be able to get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This program is for people who are disabled and unable to work, yet they do not have enough work history to qualify for SSDI. The medical requirements for the two programs are the same; however, there are a few differences in other components.
SSI disability benefits require that you have limited income and resources to qualify. Even though you are unable to work, if you have income from other sources or large savings, then you will not be able to get these benefits.
SSDI, on the other hand, does not have a low-income requirement. The biggest differences between SSI and SSDI are the work requirements and limited resource requirements.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- SSDI benefits are calculated similar to Social Security retirment benefits and are based on the your work and income history.
- It is important to provide the SSA office with all the relevant medical documents that support your case for disability.
- If your SSDI application is denied, you have the right to appeal.
How To Apply For SSDI Benefits
There are a few different ways that you can apply for SSDI and file your SSDI application with the Social Security Administration (SSA). In the past, people would typically visit their local Social Security office to complete an application. While this is still an option, it is not as popular as it once was.
The application is the same regardless of the method you choose, but the process for each method is slightly different.
Here are the three ways that you can apply for Social Security Disability or SSDI:
- Online Application: The quickest way to apply for benefits is by completing the SSDI application online. You can visit the Social Security’s Apply for Benefits page to begin the application.
- The application will start with you creating or signing into an existing my Social Security account.
- Alternatively, you can sign in to your my Social Security account directly then navigate to the “More Benefits” section and select “Start a Disability Application”.
- You must provide basic information, like your name, address, Social Security number, and other identifying information.
- You will still need to provide all the same documentation as you would when completing a paper application. This includes W-2 Forms, medical condition reports, medical records, and other documents.
- If you are unable to complete the application yourself, you can always have someone else assist you in completing the application on your behalf.
- You should also receive a paper copy of the completed application in the mail for your records.
- In-Person Application: If you are unable to complete your request online, you can visit your local Social Security office to complete the application in person.
- A local Social Security representative can help you complete the application, and you can present all the required documents to this person.
- An in-person application can take a few hours, and making an appointment at the Social Security office is helpful.
- While Social Security offices are once again accepting walk-ins, you might find yourself waiting for a long time if you do not have a Social Security appointment.
- The benefit of applying in person is that the Social Security representative can easily look up your Social Security record during the application process.
- Remember you will need to provide original documents to support your application.
- Over The Phone: The final option for applying for benefits is over the phone. If you do not have access to a computer or it is too far to travel to an office, this may be your best option.
- You can call the Social Security Administration toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- If representatives aren’t available when you initially call, you may be asked to schedule a telephone appointment for a later date.
- After verifying your identity, the representative can assist you with the application process.
- This method will usually take the longest, and you will likely still need to submit original documents to the SSA office to complete your application.
Must read articles related to Applying for SSI
- A complete guide on “How to Apply for SSI“.
- Learn more about what conditions qualify for disability.
- Check out the 7 Signs That You Will Be Approved For Disability Benefits.
- Learn more about how to win SSDI appeal.
- You may be entitled to SSDI back payments…read “How to track my disability back pay“.
What is the maximum SSDI benefit for 2024?
The SSA calculates SSDI benefits using much the same approach it uses to calculate Social Security retirement benefits. The actual SSDI benefit amount is a factor of average earnings from jobs which you paid Social Security tax on your wages.
The maximum SSDI benefit for 2023/2024 is listed below:
| Recipients | 2023 Annual Amounts | 2024 Annual Amounts | 2024 Monthly Amounts |
|---|---|---|---|
Eligible Individual | $43,524 | $45,864 | $3,822 |
*The average SSDI benefits payment is approximately $1,537 per month.
Social Security Disability Benefits Pay Chart for 2024
Every year the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment amounts increase with the COLA increase. This Social Security Disability pay chart shows the maximum payments calculated for 2023 and 2024.
| Recipients | 2023 Annual Amounts | 2024 Annual Amounts | 2024 Monthly Amounts |
|---|---|---|---|
Eligible Individual | $10,970.44 | $11,321.49 | $943 |
Eligible Couple | $16,453.84 | $16,453.84 | $1,415 |
Essential Person | $5,497.80 | $5,664.00 | $472 |
*The unrounded amounts for 2024 equal the unrounded amounts for 2023 increased by COLA (3.2%).
Note: This Social Security disability pay chart applies only to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. It does not apply to benefits through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
TIP
The amount of your SSDI benefit payments is not tied to the severity of your disability and will not increase as your disability worsens. So, you should apply as soon as you become eliginble and not wait to see if your disability gets worse.
SSDI and SSI Documentation Requirements
Applying for disability benefits requires quite a bit of personal information and documentation. It is recommended that you check out the SSA’s Adult Disability Checklist to make sure that you have everything ready before starting your application.
You will need both personal information as well as information about your medical condition. Here are some of the things that you will need:
- Verification of Identity and Marriage Status: Birth certificate, driver’s license, Spouse or former spouse’s social security number & birthday, where you got married. Children’s names and date of birth.
- Current Income: W-2 forms, Retirement benefits/pensions, Alimony, State disability payments, workers’ compensation or Self-employment tax returns from the previous year
- Financial Resources: Bank statements, Car title/loan statements, Life Insurance policy or Trust fund statements
- Medical Info: Medical records / Disability diagnosis / Test results, Admit/Discharge papers for hospitals. Note: Your healthcare providers can often send this information directly to the SSA office.
- Housing: Rental Contract, Landlord’s name & number, Name & Birthday of those living with you.
- Military Info: Military service records.
- Direct Deposit for Benefits: Routing and Account number for your bank
Remember that original documents are required in most cases, and photocopies of some of these documents will not be accepted.
How do you check your SSDI application status
Just like you had a few different options for applying for SSD, you also have a few options for checking your SSDI application status.
- Online – The easiest way to check your SSDI application is by signing into your my Social Security account. There you will be able to view the current status of your application.
- Phone – You can call the SSA office at the toll-free national number 1-800-772-1213 or call your local Social Security office to request the status of your SSDA application.
- In Person – You can visit your local Social Security office to meet with a representative who can provide you will an update on your SSDI application status.
What Happens After You Submit Your SSDI Application
Once you submit your application, then you will receive a confirmation of receipt. The Disability Determination Services (DDS) will then process your application to determine whether your impairment meets the definition of disability.
Depending on your work and financial status, you might qualify for one of the disability programs available. However, many applications are initially denied even though the person might have a true disability. This is when the appeals process begins.
You can first ask the SSA to reconsider their denial. This is the point in the process where many people choose to hire a Social Security disability lawyer or Social Security representative.
If the reconsideration is unsuccessful, then you can request a hearing with an administrative law judge. The entire process from application to a hearing before a judge can take 12 to 24 months, so be aware that it is a lengthy process.
Once approved for benefits, then you will begin receiving your monthly benefits via the direct deposit information you provided. Once you receive benefits for 24 months, then you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare coverage.
Also, remember that your child might be able to receive benefits if you are on disability. The amount that a child gets when a parent is on disability is usually 50% of the parent’s benefit amount.
The Bottom Line
Applying for disability can be a lengthy and complicated process, and it requires extensive documentation.
Make sure that you have everything in order before you start your application process to increase your odds of getting approved. If your application is denied, make sure that you follow the appeals process to appeal that decision.
Whether you apply for Social Security disability over the phone, through your local office, or over the Internet, the process is virtually the same once your application has been submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you meet a listing in the Social Security “Blue Book”, then those impairments will automatically qualify you for benefits. Some examples of conditions that qualify for disability include COPD, sickle cell disease, congenital heart disease, and others.
This differs from the Compassionate Allowances program. This program recognizes specific diseases whereby you are allowed to fast-track your benefits because your life expectancy is very short.
Your impairment must prevent you from performing substantial, gainful activity. This means that you must be unable to work due to your disability.
In addition, the disability must have already lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 months.
For SSDI, you must have a sufficient work history and earnings records to qualify under Social Security Disability Insurance. For SSI specifically, you must have limited income and resources to qualify.
From a medical standpoint, eligibility for SSI and SSDI programs is virtually the same.
The SSA generally takes three to four months to decide on your SSDI application, but this can get extended and take eight to twelve months.
Remember that to qualify for SSDI your condition must have lasted or be expected to last for at least 12 months.
This means you could be dealing with your disability for 15-24 months before you receive any SSDI benefits.
On the other hand, the SSA, on average, takes about three to five months to decide on SSI applications. Plus, if the applicant is age 65 or older they don’t need to be diagnosed with a disability to apply.
Several conditions qualify for Social Security disability benefits.
One of the most commonly approved conditions for Social Security disability benefits is arthritis and other musculoskeletal system disabilities.
Millions of people in the United States suffer from arthritis, which often makes it difficult for them to work.
No, they are two very different programs. The main difference between SSI and SSDI is that SSDI benefits require a work history.
You must have paid Social Security taxes to qualify for SSDI. SSDI payments are typically higher than SSI payments, and there is no requirement that you have a financial need to qualify for SSDI payments.
Another difference is the fact that you can qualify for SSI benefits even if you don’t have a disability, as long as you are 65 or older and have limited income and resources.
You can find a Social Security office near you by using our SSA office locator and searching for your closest location.
