Guide
How to Apply for Social Security Disability
The application is straightforward, but the mistakes are costly. Here's the process — and where claimants most often lose.
1. Gather your information
- Birth certificate or proof of citizenship
- W-2s or self-employment tax returns from the last year
- Names, addresses, and dates for every doctor, hospital, and clinic that has treated your condition
- List of medications and dosages
- Work history for the last 15 years
2. File your application
You can apply online at ssa.gov, by phone, or in person. Most claimants find online easiest. SSDI and SSI applications use overlapping but different forms — we file both when you qualify for either.
3. Disability Determination Services (DDS) review
A state-level reviewer collects your medical records and decides whether your condition meets SSA's rules. Decisions average 6–8 months.
4. Initial decision
About 35% of initial claims are approved. The rest are denied — usually for insufficient medical evidence. Avoid the 5 most common mistakes →
5. If denied: appeal within 60 days
Don't reapply — appeal. Reconsideration is the second step; then a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. See the full appeals process →
Should you hire an attorney before filing?
Yes — and it costs you nothing up front. Our fee only comes out of back pay if we win. The earlier we're involved, the cleaner the record we build.