What do I need to do to receive disability benefits from Social Security?

Collecting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits when you are unable to work can indeed be challenging. Each year, approximately two million people apply for SSDI, but more than two-thirds of them are denied. While reasons for denial vary, the leading reason is that applicants fail to prove that they are disabled and unable to work. Here are some steps you can take that can help improve your odds of approval.

Are You Disabled?

The first thing you need to determine is if your health condition qualifies you for Social Security disability benefits. Eligible health conditions typically include physical or mental impairments that are severe enough to prevent individuals from working in their current or past line of work for at least a year.

There are no benefits available for those who have a short-term or partial disability. To qualify for benefits, your disability must prevent you from working at the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level. If you are still working despite your disability, and you are earning more than $1,620 ($2,700 if you are blind) a month on average in 2025, your application will be denied. However, if you are not working or are working but earning below those limits, your application may be considered.

Your skills, education and work experience are also factors. If your work history suggests that your disability does not prevent you from performing a less physically demanding job, your application may be denied. To help you determine if you are eligible, use the SSA Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool at SSAbest.benefits.gov.

How to Apply

If you believe you have a claim, your next step is to collect your personal, financial and medical information to prepare for the application process. You can apply online at SSA.gov/disability or call 800-772-1213 to make an appointment and apply at your local Social Security office.

If you schedule an appointment, a “Disability Starter Kit” will help you get ready for your interview and will be mailed to you. If you apply online, the kit is available at SSA.gov/disability/disability_starter_kits.htm.

It currently takes six to eight months from the initial application to receive either an award or denial of benefits. The only exception is if you have a medical condition that qualifies you for a “compassionate allowance” (see SSA.gov/compassionateallowances), which fast tracks cases.

If Social Security denies your initial application, you can appeal the decision. However, with a huge backlog of people waiting, it can take around 10 months or longer to appeal the decision and another seven to 12 months to get a hearing if reconsideration is denied.

Get Help

You can hire a representative to help you with your Social Security disability claim. By law, representatives can charge the lesser of 25% of past-due benefits up to $9,200 if they win your case.

It is advisable to hire a representative at the start of the application process if your disability is difficult to prove, such as chronic pain. If your disability is obvious, you may want to consider initially working without a representative to avoid paying the fee. You are allowed to hire a representative later if your initial application and first appeal are denied.

To find a representative, check with the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR.org) or National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR.org). If you are low-income, contact the Legal Services Corporation (LSC.gov/find-legal-aid) for free assistance.

Savvy Living is written by Jim Miller, a regular contributor to the NBC Today Show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. Any links in this article are offered as a service and there is no endorsement of any product. These articles are offered as a helpful and informative service to our friends and may not always reflect this organization’s official position on some topics. Jim invites you to send your senior questions to: Savvy Living, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070.