To apply for disability benefits in the United States, you generally follow these steps through the Social Security Administration (SSA):
How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits
1. Determine Eligibility
You may qualify if you:
- Are age 18 or older
- Have a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
- Are unable to work due to this medical condition
- Have sufficient work history (typically worked and paid Social Security taxes for 5 of the last 10 years)
- Have not been denied disability benefits in the past 60 days
2. Gather Required Information
Prepare the following details to complete your application:
- Personal information (birth date, place, Social Security number)
- Spouse and minor children’s information
- Employment history for the past several years
- Medical records and doctors’ contact information
- Bank details for direct deposit of benefits
3. Choose How to Apply
You can apply:
- Online: Complete the application at SSA’s website anytime, which allows you to save and return to your application before submitting
- By phone: Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for the hearing impaired) from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday
- In person: Visit your local Social Security office (appointment recommended)
4. Submit the Application
Complete the Disability Benefit Application and Medical Release Form. If
mailing documents, include your Social Security number on a separate sheet and
do not write on original documents
. 5. Application Review and Decision
After submission, SSA will:
- Confirm receipt of your application
- Review your medical and work history
- Contact you if more information is needed
- Notify you of the decision by mail
Additional Notes
- If applying for state disability insurance (such as California’s Disability Insurance), you may need to file a claim through your state’s employment development department, often online or by mail
- For other countries, like Ireland or Germany, the disability application process and eligibility criteria differ and usually involve medical assessments and means testing
This process ensures you provide all necessary information for SSA to determine your eligibility for disability benefits based on federal guidelines
