Social Security Disability Application Process

Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can feel overwhelming. From gathering medical records to completing detailed SSA forms, even small mistakes can delay your claim or result in a denial.

Our Application Process resources walk you through every step of filing for disability benefits, including:

  • Determining eligibility for SSDI vs. SSI
  • Understanding work credits and income limits
  • Completing the initial disability application
  • Submitting medical evidence and documentation
  • What happens after you apply
  • How long the disability process takes
  • Avoiding common filing errors

The Social Security Administration reviews both your medical condition and work history. Clear documentation, consistent treatment records, and accurate information are essential to building a strong claim from the beginning.

Whether you’re filing for the first time or helping a loved one apply, these articles are designed to make the disability application process easier to understand — and easier to navigate successfully.

Applying for SSDI with a Temporary Disability

Although you cannot receive SSD benefits for partial disability, it is possible to qualify based on a temporary disability. For SSD purposes, “temporary disability” doesn’t mean a short-term disability – it means a disability or medical condition you are expected to eventually recover from. So long as the disability has lasted, or is expected to last, 12 months or more, you are eligible to apply for SSD benefits. Here’s what you need to know before deciding to apply.

By |2023-01-13T12:06:46-06:00December 2nd, 2022|Application process, Blog, Eligibility|Comments Off on Applying for SSDI with a Temporary Disability

Working Seasonally and Applying for SSD Benefits

A lot of people take seasonal jobs. Workers of various ages and abilities can earn extra money, get job experience or turn a temp job into a permanent position. If you are currently on SSD benefits, you need to be careful about taking a seasonal position. Watch our video to learn more.

By |2022-11-18T15:22:23-06:00November 4th, 2022|Application process, Blog|Comments Off on Working Seasonally and Applying for SSD Benefits

Explaining Work History on Your SSD Application for Benefits

One way the SSA evaluates whether your disability prevents you from working is by conducting a thorough examination of your work history. You submit work history information on the Work History Report. Here’s what the SSA is looking for, and how to complete the form to improve the chance your disability application is approved.

By |2022-10-27T13:14:21-05:00October 22nd, 2022|Application process, Blog, SSDI|Comments Off on Explaining Work History on Your SSD Application for Benefits

The Importance of a Medical Source Statement to Your Social Security Disability Claim

A patient’s medical file is filled with labs, X-rays, MRIs, statements of diagnosis, treatment plans, detailed notes and a dozen other documents, all which support your medical condition and prove that you are disabled. So why does an attorney need a medical source statement to support your Social Security Disability (SSD) application? Watch our video to learn more.

By |2022-10-21T15:47:14-05:00October 18th, 2022|Application process, Blog, SSDI|Comments Off on The Importance of a Medical Source Statement to Your Social Security Disability Claim

What Can You Expect After You Win Your SSD Case?

So you have received notice that you’ve won your SSD case and are entitled to social security disability benefits. Congratulations! Although the hard part is over, that doesn’t mean you no longer have to deal with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Here is what you can expect after winning your SSD case.

By |2022-06-06T14:09:41-05:00May 27th, 2022|Application process, Blog, SSDI|Comments Off on What Can You Expect After You Win Your SSD Case?

Mental Health Disorders and Applying for SSD Benefits

The Social Security Administration(SSA) disability listings include 11 mental health conditions that are eligible for SSD benefits, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and anxiety. But it takes more than simply being diagnosed with a mental health disorder to be eligible for SSD benefits.

By |2022-06-06T13:56:56-05:00May 8th, 2022|Application process, Blog, Disability diseases and conditions, Eligibility, SSDI|Comments Off on Mental Health Disorders and Applying for SSD Benefits

The role of the ‘blue book’ in determining Social Security Disability eligibility

Do you know what the Social Security Blue Book is? Formally titled “Disability Evaluation Under Social Security,” it’s a list of disabilities that presumptively qualifies a claimant for disability benefits. Unfortunately, the Blue Book is often misleading and misunderstood by people who apply for SS benefits. Many people come to us under the impression that they will be automatically awarded benefits because their diagnosis is in the book, but this list is extremely nuanced and has extremely detailed requirements. To learn more, watch the short video.

By |2022-04-21T15:03:01-05:00April 15th, 2022|Application process, Blog, Eligibility, SSDI|Comments Off on The role of the ‘blue book’ in determining Social Security Disability eligibility

How Do You fill Out A Third Party Function Report In A Social Security Disability Case?

Don’t allow third parties to fill them out because I have never seen a Third Party Function Report used to help a claimant get approved for Social Security Disability benefits. The Social Security Administration(SSA) uses them to deny claimant’s benefits. These third parties are not part of the case and they do not have to be.

By |2022-01-05T14:20:07-06:00October 20th, 2021|Application process, Blog, SSDI|Comments Off on How Do You fill Out A Third Party Function Report In A Social Security Disability Case?