Social Security Disability (SSDI) Application Process
Social Security Disability Application Process
Summary: In order to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, you must apply and have the application approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA). There are four opportunities to win that approval:
- Initial Application
- First Appeal / Reconsideration
- Second Appeal / Hearing
- Third Appeal / Appeals Council
In order to qualify for Social Security Disability, you must have a medical condition which prevents you from engaging in Substantially Gainful Activity (SGA) and you must meet the work history and other requirements laid out by the SSA. Freedom Disability has helped thousands of people to successfully apply for benefits. Contact us today to find out if you may be eligible by calling toll free (866) 761-5942 or by clicking here and sending us a request to review your disability eligibility.
Initial Application
3 to 6 month average wait period | 35% of applications from all sources approved nationally
- Freedom Disability will guide you through the process of completing the initial Social Security disability application and a detailed Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire as well as any additional required paperwork.
- A doctor will verify information in your application and must be able to confirm that the disabling condition will last at least twelve months.
- The Disability Determination Services (DDS) located in your state will make the initial disability determination. They collect medical evidence and coordinate additional consultative exams if additional evidence is needed to make their decision.
First Appeal / Reconsideration
3 to 5 month average wait period | 13% of First Appeals from all sources approved nationally
- Your request for an appeal / reconsideration must be filed within 60 days of the denial of your initial application.
- Your medical and vocational information will need to be reviewed and updated. •
- A new individual from within the Social Security Administration reviews your appeal and makes a decision, communicated by letter to you.
Second Appeal / Hearing
1.4 years average wait period | 64% of Second Appeals from all sources approved nationally
- Your request for a second appeal / hearing must come within 60 days of being denied. This moves your decision from the SSA claims processors to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) who will hold a hearing on your appeal.
- You will receive notice and details of your Hearing approximately twenty (20) days before the scheduled date. Hearings are typically held within seventy-five (75) miles of your home and every attempt should be made to attend with your representative (Freedom Disability Advocate). Some hearings are conducted via video teleconferencing.
- At the hearing, you and your representative (Freedom Disability Advocate) will have an opportunity to present evidence and witnesses for questioning. You may also be questioned by the ALJ.
- Following the Hearing the ALJ will independently make and issue a written decision on your appeal.
- It is also possible for your representative (Freedom Disability Advocate) to request a “decision on the record” which is a request for the ALJ to make a decision without a Hearing.
Third Appeal / Appeals Council
8 months average wait period | 3% of Third Appeals from all sources approved nationally
- Your request for a third appeal / Appeals Council review must come within 60 days of being denied.
- The Appeals Council will review the disability hearing decision to determine if it was rendered properly according to the law.
 Application Process "Pin It")
why did i get cut short ,they didn’t pay me back they instead put me on temp ssi based on my husbands income then that was stupid because i made more money then him and lost all those years of 23 to get nothing. why?
Without knowing the specifics of your case, I would begin by saying that SSI is based on income while other disability benefit programs, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), are based on your work history, disability condition and age — not income. You may be successful in receiving additional cash benefits through this alternative SSDI program. Click to the “Eligibility” page to find out more.
I have applied for social security disability benefit, please help me to qualify
Remember that to qualify you must prove that your disability has prevented you from working for a year or more, your medical condition meets SSA’s definition of a disability, and you have a recent-enough work history. If you have applied for SSDI on your own and SSA makes the decision to deny you, please call us at (866) 761-5942 to help you appeal that decision. We can help you prove that you qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
I HAVE BEEN DIAGOSED WITH MULTIPLE MYLOMA (CANCER) AND HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO WORK DUE TO THIS ILLNESS. I WOULD LIKE TO APPLY FOR DISABILITY. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT I NEED TO DO. THANKYOU FOR YOUR TIME.
Hi Lowell,
Thanks for your comment. If you would like to have Freedom Disability assist you with your Social Security Disability claim, I recommend speaking to one of our Eligibility Consultants first. This free consultation that will give you some more information on what your next steps should be. I hope you’ll call us at 866-761-5942.
i suffer from depression . how do i go about applying for ssi disability
Please call us at (866) 761-5942 to talk to an Eligibility Consultant who can ask you about your medical and work situation and better explain if you are eligible for SSI and, if so, how to apply for benefits.
I have diabetes with neuropathy of the hands and feet. I have had two heart attacks, the first in 2005 with six stents. The second heart attack was Dec of 2006 which resulted in a triple bypass, one stent and an implanted pacemaker / defibrillator. I last worked in Sept. 2005 (Hurricane Katrina destroyed my employer). Since my last heart attack I have been unable to return to work. I have been rated 100% disabled by the V.A.
Since I haven’t worked since Sept 2005, I may not have enough quarters for the last ten years. Would the quarters situation apply since I am claiming a date of disability of Dec. 2006? I have just made my initial filing and in the process of submitting medical records. I have been told that an attorney couldn’t do anything for me until my claim has been denied. Is that correct? Thanks for your assistance.
Rodney Curtis
Saucier, MS.
Rodney,
If you have already submitted your application for SSDI to SSA then, yes, an attorney or non-attorney disability advocate can’t help you now. If you get denied, then you should get help to appeal the decision and we would be able to guide you more at that time. How many work credits you need to qualify depends on your age when you became disabled. So, I’m not sure about that criteria in your case. Generally, if you are disabled at age 31 or older you need at least 20 credits in the 10 years immediately before you became disabled. Good luck with your claim.
I have COPD, with emphysema and asthma, I am still working part-time but it is getting harder and harder, I use an nebulizer 3 times a day and use a inhaler in-between that. it keeps getting worse and worse, harder and harder to breath or go long periods without stopping to rest, you have heard it.. hard to go up stairs, can’t walk very long or for distances. it will not be long before I have to be on oxygen and cannot even work part-time. my sister is already at that stage, so tell me what to do..
Jackie,
If you think you meet the eligiblity requirements for Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSDI) perhaps you should consider starting the application process. The first step is to talk to a Freedom Disability Eligibility Consultant who can review your specific information to evaluate your situation. The process is difficult so it is an advantage to get the help of a disability advocate to help you build your case. You can call 866-761-5942 or submit your information through the online form on this page when you’re ready.
I was diagnosed a couple of years ago (after three years of no answers) with Fibromyalgia. I continually try to work through the pain and until a few weeks ago I managed. The symptoms are worse than ever and I am not able to perform my job duties. I am to the point that I have to take several naps a day just to function. Since I have only been off work for a few weeks, is it too early to try to apply for disability? I am currently enrolled in online classes and would like to continue working, but my body is just not allowing me to do so. What should I do and where do I start?
Jennifer,
It would be best to call in to talk to an Eligibility Consultant at 866-347-2910 to properly assess your situation. To be eligible your condition must so severe it is expected to keep you from working for a year or longer. Your age and functionality are factors too. It’s a tough process to prove disability. At least start by getting an evaluation. Then you’ll know better what to do.
Embedded Abdominal Mesh causing incontinence & pain. Allergies & Asthma, Arthritis, Hypothyroidism, exhaustion, depression.
Unemployed for 1 year now, no insurance for doctor visits. No money. 58 years old. Casino Dealer / Dual Rate / Floor Supervisor since 1975.
How can I prove medical incapability with no money and no insurance???
I was encouraged by my doctor 9 years ago to apply for SSI benefits. I applied and was denied. I didn’t know back then that I could appeal. I stopped going to the doctor who was telling me I couldn’t work in my condition after I was denied and have suffered through the 9 years. So my question is: Do I need to re-apply for benefits and start going to the doctor again?
Hi Julie,
Thanks for your comment. To be eligible for SSDI benefits you would need to have worked at least 5 out of the last 10 years. You also need to have a severe enough medical condition that will prevent you from working for at least a year. SSA also requires detailed reports from your doctors. How they describe your condition weighs heavily on SSA’s decision in determining if you are unable to work at any job because of your medical condition. Find out more on supporting your medical claim for SSDI by reading this article.
I have applied at least 5 times i fed up my condition is no better if anything im worse. I hope you can help me……
i had foot surgery in 2010 and then from that time on, my foot got worse and i am in the process of having my 5th surgery,. i had pins put into my foot and i got a staff infection and now i am on a very high powerful antiobotic that i do through with a port in my arm. the pins had to be taken out and when the staff goes away, i will go back into the hospital to have another surgery to fuse my ankle together because the staff infection deteratead the ankle bone and now it is just floats around. i am going to have surgery again in jan. 2013 to fix it with no movement in my foot. i can’t put any weight on it now, i have to keep it elevated. i have been in alot of pain.the dr. said that he would have to put a long pin in the bottome of my foot to the ankle to connect it all back together. i need to know what to do and if i could get disability for it. thanks
Diane,
Sorry to hear about this. I would recommend calling Freedom Disability and speaking to one of our Eligibility Consultants. They will ask you a few questions regarding your current health conditions and past work history to determine your eligibility for our assistance. If we are unable to help you, we will point you in the right direction of someone who hopefully can. I hope you’ll give us a call at 866-761-5942. Good luck.
My question is that I am paralyzed from chest down, and I’m getting a small ssI, and I was wondering if there anymore benefits out there to check.
James,
Since you are already receiving SSI, the only other benefits that may be available would be through the state. I recommend calling 211 to contact their local Social Services to see if there are any other benefits available to them. Please keep in mind some assistance may affect their SSI benefit. Good luck.