Skip to Content
Clear information. Informed next steps.Independent guidance for SSDI, SSI & VA disability
DisabilityUnited.
800-336-9513Start My SSDI Guide
Home/SSDI
FOR WORKERS

Social Security Disability InsuranceSSDI

Understand how your work history and a long-term medical condition may support a Social Security disability claim.

  • Enough work credits under the rules that apply to you
  • A condition that meets Social Security’s disability rules
  • Medical evidence showing how your condition limits work
LET’S START WITH YOU01 / 05

Your SSDI Next Steps.

Start with your details, then tell us about your work history and situation.

Provide a phone number or email address.

Your details are sent only when you review and confirm your request.

No Social Security number or medical records needed. Privacy & Terms

YOUR SSDI PATH

Start Where You Are.

01

Preparing to Apply

Understand what to gather and where to apply.

Start My SSDI Guide02

Application Pending

Track your application and respond to requests.

Follow My SSDI Claim03

Denied Benefits

Review your decision and appeal options.

Review My SSDI Decision
A medical professional reviewing records beside a seated adult and a scanner; illustrative stock photograph.
AT A GLANCE

Two Foundations of an SSDI Claim

Work history and medical evidence each play a part.

Your Work Record

Covered work, credits, and recent work

Your Medical Evidence

Work limitations and expected duration

Agency Review

Social Security reviews your claim under its own disability and work rules.

A simplified overview. Other rules apply; this is not an eligibility test.

Official SSA Requirements

How SSDI Works

SSDI is an insurance program funded through Social Security taxes. Eligibility on your own work record depends on having enough covered work. Recent-work requirements generally also apply, with special rules for some people, including people who meet SSA’s blindness rules. The credits needed depend in part on your age when disability began.

What Social Security Reviews

For an adult claim, Social Security generally looks at whether you can do substantial work, your previous work, or adjust to other work. Your condition must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 consecutive months, or be expected to result in death. A diagnosis alone does not establish eligibility.

What to Prepare

Gather your provider names, treatment dates, medication list, work history, and a clear description of the activities your condition limits. You do not have to wait until every medical record is in hand to start the application process.

A Guide, Not a Benefits Decision

Only Social Security can decide whether you qualify. This website does not submit a benefits application or establish representation.

Source: Social Security Administration

Explore Further

More SSDI Guides

All Resources
SSDI

Who Is Eligible for SSDI?

Understand SSDI work credits, medical requirements, and the difference between eligibility and a benefit estimate.

SSDI

SSDI Medical Evidence Requirements

Prepare medical records, treatment history and functional details for a Social Security disability claim.

SSDI

SSDI When You Have Not Worked Recently

Learn why your last insured date and disability onset matter if you have been away from work.

SSDI

Does SSDI Require Permanent Disability?

Understand Social Security’s duration requirement, continuing reviews and work-related reporting.

SSDI

Family Benefits on an SSDI Record

Explore benefits for eligible spouses and children, and the information SSA needs to review family eligibility.

SSDI

SSDI Benefits While Living Abroad

Check citizenship, destination and reporting requirements before moving outside the United States.

COMMON QUESTIONS

SSDI Questions.

Answers about work history & ability to work.

Visit the Resource Center
Do I Need a Work History for SSDI?

When applying on your own work record, you generally need enough work covered by Social Security, including recent work. The credits needed depend in part on your age. Other benefit categories have different rules.

Learn More
Do I Have to Wait 12 Months to Apply?

No. Social Security looks at whether your condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 consecutive months, or is expected to result in death. You do not have to wait a full year before starting an application.

Learn More
What If I Do Not Have Enough Work Credits?

Review the reason with Social Security. SSI may be another program to explore if you meet its financial and other rules. A lack of SSDI work credits does not by itself decide SSI eligibility.

Learn More
SSDI NEXT STEPS

Your SSDI Next Steps.

Work History & Ability to Work

Start My SSDI Guide