BENEFIT GUIDE / YOURABLECASE
SSDI, without the guesswork.
You worked. You paid into Social Security. Now a serious health condition may be keeping you from working. Here is what Social Security Disability Insurance actually considers.
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What SSDI covers
Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, is a federal benefit for people who meet the Social Security Administration’s disability rules and have enough work covered by Social Security. It is not the same program as Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
A disability claim is more than a diagnosis. SSA looks at how a medical condition affects work, how long the limitation is expected to last, and the applicable work and earnings requirements.
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The questions that matter
For most adult SSDI cases, the decision turns on both medical and nonmedical eligibility. The questions below are a practical starting point, not a determination of benefits.
Have you worked long enough?
Work credits and how recently you worked can matter. Requirements vary with age and other circumstances.
How does your condition limit work?
SSA considers medical evidence, daily functioning, work demands and whether you can do other work under its rules.
How long will it affect you?
The disability rules generally require a condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
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Information to gather
You do not need to upload medical records into our public intake form. For your own preparation, the following details may help when you speak with a qualified representative.
- An approximate date you stopped working or reduced your work
- Names and locations of medical providers and recent treatment
- Your past jobs and their physical or mental demands
- Dates of any SSA application, decision, or denial notice
- A list of medications, tests, hospitalizations and ongoing symptoms
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Timing and first steps
SSA recommends applying as soon as you become disabled. SSDI generally has a five-full-month waiting period for cash benefits after disability onset, with exceptions. The date benefits can begin depends on the facts and applicable rules.
This website is not an SSA application. If you need to protect an application date, use an authorized SSA filing channel rather than waiting for a law-firm intake response.
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How our team can help
An initial case review helps us understand your claim stage, work background, and the biggest questions affecting your next step. If the firm accepts representation, additional records and formal SSA representative appointments may be discussed.
Submitting this website form does not appoint us, file with SSA, or guarantee that the firm can take your case.
QUICK ANSWERS
Questions worth asking.
Can I get SSDI if I am still working?
Work and earnings can affect eligibility. SSA applies substantial-gainful-activity rules and exceptions, including different rules for some self-employment situations.
Does having a doctor’s diagnosis mean automatic approval?
No. SSA considers medical documentation and the impact of impairments under its disability standard; a diagnosis alone is not a guarantee.
Do I have to know my work credits before contacting you?
No. You can ask for a review without determining your work credits first. SSA can provide information about your work record.
YOUR NEXT MOVE
Get a clearer direction.
Tell our intake team where you are in the process. There is no obligation to request a review.