Covered work history
You worked long enough—and recently enough—in jobs where Social Security taxes were paid.
SSDI guidance and support
Social Security Disability Insurance, made clearer.
If a medical condition is keeping you from working, SSDI may provide monthly income based on your work history. Learn the requirements and see whether speaking with a disability representative could help.
Free initial eligibility check
Application preparation help
Personal claim support
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Insurance you earn through work.
SSDI is different from Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on limited income and resources rather than prior covered work.
Understanding the program
What is SSDI?
Social Security Disability Insurance is a federal program that pays monthly benefits to eligible people who have worked in jobs covered by Social Security and can no longer perform substantial work because of a qualifying disability.
Your payment is generally based on your covered earnings record—not the severity of your condition. Certain family members may also qualify for benefits on your record. In most cases, SSDI has a five-month waiting period before payments can begin.
Core requirements
Who may qualify for SSDI?
SSA reviews both your recent work history and the functional impact of your medical condition.
Unable to do substantial work
Your condition prevents work at SSA’s substantial gainful activity level.
Long-term condition
The condition has lasted, or is expected to last, at least 12 consecutive months or result in death.
Medical evidence
Treatment records and other evidence show how your condition limits your ability to work.
A common work-history benchmark: Many applicants age 31 or older need 20 credits earned in the 10 years before disability began. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.
Review SSA eligibility
Apply through the government
How to apply for SSDI online
The official application is completed through the Social Security Administration. Applying is free, and you should not delay solely because you do not yet have every document.
Start at SSA.gov-
1
Prepare your information
Gather your Social Security number, work history, medical providers, treatment dates, medications, tests, and banking details.
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2
Complete the online application
Sign in or create a my Social Security account, answer the disability and work-history questions, and save your progress if needed.
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3
Submit requested documents
SSA may ask you to mail or deliver supporting documents. Keep copies and respond promptly to follow-up requests.
You do not have to navigate it alone
How an SSDI representative can help
A qualified attorney or non-attorney representative can act as your point of contact and help keep a complex claim organized from application through appeal.
Build a complete record
Identify useful medical, work, and functional evidence and help address gaps in the file.
Communicate with SSA
Help complete forms, explain requests, and communicate with Social Security on your behalf once appointed.
Manage deadlines
Track important notices and response dates so avoidable missed deadlines do not derail the claim.
Prepare for an appeal
Review an unfavorable decision, develop the appeal, and prepare you for a disability hearing when needed.
Representation is optional and does not guarantee approval. SSA must authorize any representative fee. Many representatives charge a fee only if the claim is successful, though arrangements vary.
Common questions
SSDI questions, answered
Possibly. SSA evaluates whether your earnings and work activity rise to the level of substantial gainful activity. Different rules may apply to self-employment and statutory blindness.
SSDI is based on your covered work record. SSI is a separate needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. Some people can qualify for both.
No. SSA advises applicants not to delay filing because information is missing. Provide what you have and respond to later requests as quickly as possible.
No. Only SSA can decide a claim, and no representative can guarantee approval. A representative can help organize evidence, communicate with SSA, and prepare an appeal.
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