If you or someone you know is facing financial stress due to disability, the topic of filing for Social Security disability (SSD) benefits has most likely come up. The application process often results in more questions than answers – which ultimately leaves the person needing these benefits confused and unsure how to proceed. Our attorneys have compiled the questions we hear the most in helping our clients navigate the complicated legal process.

Read on for a breakdown of SSD questions, answers, and important tips on understanding how to qualify and even more so: apply.

What To Know Before Applying For Social Security Disability

The Social Security Administration is who decides if you are disabled and qualify for benefits. Working with an experienced SSD attorney can help clarify your case prior to filing to ensure you have the best chance possible of getting what’s rightfully yours.

Before starting your application, keep these questions in mind to make the process as simple as humanly possible.

What Are The Different Types Of Social Security Disability Benefits?

There are two types of Social Security disability benefits: SSD and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both types of benefits require you to be disabled from ANY work activity for a minimum of 12 months. However, before Social Security considers your medical conditions, you must first meet additional requirements for each program.

In order to be eligible to file for SSD benefits, you must have worked and earned enough credits to be “insured.” In short, you must have worked and paid Social Security taxes for five of the last 10 years to be insured.

The amount of disability benefits you receive will depend on your average lifetime earnings. In some cases, you may also qualify for benefits based on a parent or spouse’s work history. Additionally, SSD can extend benefits to certain family members, such as your current or former spouse and your children, contingent on their ages and circumstances.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits is another option if you are not insured for SSD. Eligibility for the SSI program is asset and income related – your household income/asset level must be below certain criteria to qualify. SSI is specifically designed for low-income individuals who have not paid enough into the Social Security system to qualify for SSD. Determine your SSI eligibility here.

Understanding Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for these programs, the SSA requires that your disability prevents you from continuing in your most recent job or any other job, considering factors like your age, education, skills, and past work experience. There are no benefits for those who are partially disabled or temporarily unable to work, underscoring the importance of a long-term or terminal condition.

By understanding these intricate requirements, you can better navigate the application process and increase your chances of securing the benefits you deserve.

Eligibility for Social Security Disability Benefits

Understanding who qualifies for Social Security Disability benefits can help you navigate the process more effectively. Here’s a breakdown of the eligibility requirements:

  • Understanding the Programs: The Social Security Administration offers two primary programs for those with disabilities: Social Security Disability (SSD) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each serves different needs based on your work history and financial situation.
  • Disability Criteria: To be eligible for these benefits, you must have a total disability that prevents you from working. This means you can’t perform your previous job or adjust to any other work due to your medical condition. Moreover, this disability should have lasted—or be expected to last—at least one year or lead to death.
  • Work History and Contributions: For SSD, you need a sufficient work history, having contributed to the Social Security system through payroll taxes. Your benefits are largely determined by your average lifetime earnings.
  • Family Benefits: Some family members, such as a current or former spouse and children, might also qualify for benefits based on your disability and situation.
  • SSI Specifics: SSI targets low-income individuals who may not have enough work credits to be eligible for SSD. This program is need-based, focusing on those with limited income and resources.

By meeting these requirements, you can find out if you qualify for either SSD or SSI benefits, ensuring you receive the appropriate support.

How Do I File For Social Security Disability?

If you wish to file a disability application, you can do so over the phone or online. Filing online is the easiest and quickest way to apply. You will need a lot of information when filing the application. Make sure to double check you have all the information required ahead of time to make things easier on yourself.

If you are not comfortable filing an online application, you can call your local Social Security office and schedule a phone appointment. You can find the number for your local Social Security office here. Please be aware that most Social Security offices are backed up and are scheduling phone application appointments several weeks to several months out from the date of initial contact.

How Long Will It Take Social Security To Make A Decision On My Application?

After submitting your initial application, it usually takes 4-5 months to hear back from the Social Security Administration.

What Common Reasons Cause Delays in Social Security Disability Applications?

When applying for Social Security Disability benefits, several factors can lead to frustrating delays. Understanding these common causes can help you better navigate the process.

  • High Workload at Social Security Offices
     The sheer volume of applications can overwhelm Social Security offices, often slowing down the processing time for each claim.
  • Incomplete Applications
     Missing details or incomplete information can stall your application. Double-check all sections to ensure accuracy and completeness before submission.
  • Errors in Application Information
     Incorrect data, whether personal details or financial information, can cause setbacks as these require additional time to rectify.
  • Delays in Medical Records Retrieval
     Obtaining necessary medical documentation from your health care providers can be another bottleneck. Timely follow-ups with your doctors can prevent this issue.

By addressing these factors ahead of time, you can improve the chances of your application being processed more swiftly. You also need to understand what happens after a denial of your application.

If they deny your application, you have 60 days to file an appeal, called a Request for Reconsideration. Social Security will then update your records again and issue another decision in approximately 4 months. They may also send you out for a physical or mental evaluation at the initial or Reconsideration stage and they will likely send you forms to complete about your work history and activities of daily living.

If your Request for Reconsideration is denied, you will have 60 days to file an appeal, called a Request for Hearing. At this level, you will be scheduled for a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge, where you will testify, along with a vocational expert, and possibly a medical expert. Currently, Administrative Law Judges are holding hearings by phone, video, and occasionally in person. The wait for a hearing to be scheduled could range anywhere from approximately 6-12 months (currently) from the time that you file the Request for Hearing.

Should the Administrative Law Judge also deny your claim, you have further options. You can take your appeal to the Social Security Appeals Council. If the Council decides not to review your case or issues an unfavorable decision, you still have a path forward. At this point, you can file a lawsuit in a federal district court, where a judge will review the details of your case. These additional steps ensure that you have multiple opportunities to present your case and seek the benefits you are entitled to.

What Conditions Might Qualify for Expedited Processing of a Social Security Disability Application?

If you’re wondering which medical conditions might speed up your Social Security Disability application, there are several key factors to consider.

Immediate Qualification with Diagnosis:

  • Certain Cancers: Many forms of cancer, upon diagnosis, directly qualify for rapid processing.
  • Neurological Disorders: Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and ALS fall into this category, allowing for quick approval once medically confirmed.

Computer-Assisted Decision Making:

  • Some serious health issues are assessed using computer algorithms that predict the likelihood of disability benefits approval. These tools can fast-track cases by evaluating the severity and impact of your condition efficiently.

Special Considerations:

  • Veterans: Specifically, wounded warriors injured in service may also receive expedited processing, recognizing their unique contributions and sacrifices.

By understanding these categories, applicants can better prepare their documentation and approach the process with a clearer picture of their eligibility for expedited processing.

How Can I Accelerate My Social Security Disability Application?

Navigating the Social Security Disability application process can often feel like a daunting task, especially given the common delays. These delays typically stem from heavy workloads within Social Security offices, incomplete applications, or slow responses from healthcare providers regarding medical records. However, there are proactive steps you can take to expedite the process.

Tackle Delays with Preparation

  • Complete Documentation: Begin by ensuring every section of your application is filled out thoroughly. Provide expansive and detailed information about your work history, medical conditions, and the nature of your disability.
  • Medical Records: Submitting copies of your medical records directly can significantly reduce waiting times, as it eliminates the need for Social Security to request this information from your doctors or hospitals.

Explore Expedited Processing Options

For those with critical health conditions, there are pathways for fast-tracking the application:

  • Automatic Qualification: Some serious conditions, such as certain types of cancer, early-onset Alzheimer’s, and ALS, qualify for immediate processing upon confirmation of diagnosis. This means you can receive benefits without the usual wait.
  • Quick Disability Determination: If your condition is likely to meet the benefit criteria, expedited determinations might be possible through computer-based assessments.
  • Special Programs for Veterans: If you are a wounded warrior, specific expedited processing programs are available to assist with your application.

Strengthen Your Application Process

Getting your application right from the start is critical. To improve your chances of a swift outcome:

  • Apply As Soon as Possible: Don’t delay initiating your claim. The sooner you apply, the sooner the process can start.
  • Respond Promptly: If the Social Security office requests additional information, respond quickly to avoid further delays.

By taking these steps, you’ll be better positioned to navigate the application process efficiently and potentially reduce wait times for your Social Security Disability benefits.

What Evidence Does Social Security Consider When Evaluating My Disability Application?

The most important information Social Security reviews is your medical records. This includes:

  • Doctor appointment notes
  • Emergency/hospital records
  • Objective testing (x-rays, MRIs, etc.)

Social Security will also consider forms from you describing your daily activities and symptoms, as well as forms completed by your physicians indicating your limitations in work-related activities, such as sitting, standing, walking, lifting, focusing and concentrating, remembering tasks, dealing with coworkers, etc. Support from your medical providers is very important and can make the difference in an approval or denial of benefits.

Can I Work And Apply For Social Security Benefits?

Most people who file for SSD or SSI benefits have stopped working completely prior to filing a disability application. However, it is possible to work a small amount while an application is pending, but you must be earning less than Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), which is set at $1,350 for 2022. Similarly, in 2024 it was $1550 and in 2025 it is $1620. For those who are blind, the monthly SGA amount for 2025 is $2700. You can continue earning under SGA while your claim is pending, but it is important that you are not working many hours or doing heavy, physical work.

Learn everything you need to know about working while disabled.

Agee Clymer Can Help Simplify The SSD Filing Process

Our attorneys have seen just about every SSD case from children to adults. We understand how frustrating the filing process can be. Let us take out the guesswork for you and walk you through how we help clients appeal SSDI decisions. Call 614-221-3318 and ask to speak with Stacy Meloun today!