Social Security Disability Benefits: How to Apply, Who Qualifies, and More

The Social Security Administration receives millions of disability claims each year, making it one of the largest and most important government programs in the United States. Yet many people are still unsure about how to navigate the system, whether they qualify for benefits, and what steps they need to take to apply.

Most applicants wait 6-12 months for a decision, often struggling without income during this critical period.

Our disability attorneys help Las Vegas residents secure their SSDI benefits. We guide you through every requirement, document, and deadline. From proving your medical condition to handling appeals, we stand beside you throughout your disability claim.

If you or someone you know need help filing an SSDI claim, contact our firm today.

Understanding Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a severe medical condition or disability. Funded through payroll taxes, SSDI is available to workers who have accumulated enough work credits by paying into the Social Security system.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that their condition meets the Social Security Administration’s definition of a disability, which includes being unable to perform substantial gainful activity and having a condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. SSDI aims to offer essential support to disabled individuals and their families, helping them maintain financial stability during difficult times.

Eligibility Requirements for SSDI

To be eligible for SSDI, you must meet the following criteria:

Work Credits and History Requirements

Your past Social Security tax payments determine your eligibility through work credits. For 2025, you earn one credit for every $1,810 in covered earnings. Most people need 40 total work credits – half earned within the past 10 years.

Special rules apply based on your age:

• Ages 24-31: Credits for half the time between age 21 and disability onset
• Under age 24: Six credits in the three years before disability
• Ages 31-42: Minimum of 20 work credits

Medical Conditions That Qualify

The SSA Blue Book lists all qualifying medical conditions. Common approved conditions include:

• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Cardiovascular conditions
• Respiratory disorders
• Neurological conditions
• Mental disorders
• Immune system disorders

Your medical evidence must show your condition prevents basic work activities. The disability should either last 12 months, result in death, or severely limit your ability to work.

Income and Resource Limits

SSDI protects your assets – no restrictions exist on savings or resources. Your monthly earnings, however, must stay under the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit. For 2025, these limits are:

• Non-blind individuals: $1,620 per month
• Blind individuals: $2,700 per month

Benefit Coverage

SSDI benefits cover both individual and family members.

For individuals, your monthly SSDI payment depends on your lifetime earnings record. The average benefit reaches $1,537 in 2024, while maximum payments go up to $3,822. This increases to $4,018 in 2025.

The SSA calculates your payment based on average lifetime earnings, so the amount you receive may be lower or higher depending on your work history. If you are approved for both SSDI and SSI, the payments will be combined to meet the maximum limit set by the SSA.

The benefits of SSDI vary for each individual, as they are calculated based on your work history and earnings before becoming disabled. The primary benefit provided by SSDI is a monthly payment, which acts as a vital source of income to help cover living expenses during your disability. These payments are designed to provide financial stability when you are unable to work due to a qualifying medical condition.

Additionally, certain family members may also qualify for benefits based on your SSDI eligibility. For instance, your spouse can receive benefits if they are aged 62 or older, providing additional support for families as they near retirement age.

Children under the age of 18, or up to age 19 if still enrolled in high school, are also eligible to receive benefits, helping parents manage the financial responsibilities of raising children while disabled. Moreover, disabled adult children who became disabled before the age of 22 may qualify for benefits, offering crucial assistance to families with dependents who face lifelong challenges.

Together, these benefits ensure that both you and your family have access to the financial resources you need during difficult times.

The SSDI Application Process

If you believe you qualify for SSDI, it’s crucial to apply as soon as possible, as the process typically takes 200-230 days, with an additional five-month waiting period before benefits begin. To ensure your claim is processed smoothly, you’ll need to submit specific documentation, including proof of citizenship, medical records, tax returns, and any applicable military discharge papers. Medical evidence must clearly demonstrate how your disability prevents you from working, and experienced attorneys can help gather these records from healthcare providers to strengthen your case.

You can apply for SSDI using one of three methods: online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. Online applications are the fastest option, allowing you to complete the process at your own pace. Alternatively, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit in person for a face-to-face meeting.

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Our successful cases show which errors most often cause denials:

• Incomplete Medical Documentation: Missing records kill claims fast
• Inaccurate Work History: Wrong job details suggest you can still work
• Missed Deadlines: SSA forms need answers within 10 days
• Contradictory Information: Different answers on forms spell denial

Missing doctor appointments or skipping prescribed treatments ruins your claim. Our attorneys review every detail, keeping your application consistent and complete.

The SSDI Review Process

The Social Security Administration (SSA) follows rigorous procedures when reviewing disability claims, making it crucial to navigate the process carefully to avoid delays or denials. Our Nevada disability attorneys are here to protect your rights at every stage. From the initial application to medical evaluations, we ensure your claim is handled efficiently and accurately.

The initial application process takes 3-6 months due to state DDS office backlogs. Claims go through three phases: a field office review of non-medical qualifications, a DDS evaluation of medical evidence, and a final SSA decision. The success of your claim depends heavily on the quality and completeness of your medical evidence, including treatment records, test results, and diagnoses.

When additional medical proof is needed, DDS may require a consultative examination (CE), paid for by the SSA. These exams are conducted by licensed specialists and provide in-depth medical opinions about your condition. Missing a CE appointment can lead to automatic denial, making it essential to attend and properly prepare. Our attorneys help you understand what these doctors need to see and ensure you are fully ready for these critical evaluations.

At every step, we work to ensure your claim meets the SSA’s strict disability guidelines. By gathering strong medical evidence and guiding you through exams, we maximize your chances of approval and help secure the support you deserve.

Key Differences Between SSDI and SSI

SSDI and SSI are both federal disability programs, but they differ in several key ways:

• Funding: SSDI is funded through payroll taxes, while SSI is funded by general tax revenues.
• Eligibility Criteria: SSDI eligibility is based on work history and contributions to the Social Security system, while SSI eligibility considers income and assets.
• Benefit Amounts: SSDI benefits are calculated based on past earnings and can vary greatly from person to person. SSI benefits have a maximum limit set by the SSA each year.
• Medical Coverage: After receiving SSDI for two years, beneficiaries become eligible for Medicare coverage. SSI recipients may be eligible for Medicaid immediately upon approval.

You can learn more about the difference between SSDI and SSI here.

Navigating SSDI Appeals

A lot of disability claims are denied during the initial application process, but that doesn’t mean you should give up. You have the right to appeal an SSDI decision through a four-step process:

The SSA gives you 60 days to appeal after receiving your denial. They count 5 days for mail delivery unless proven otherwise.

Understanding Denial Reasons

Denial for disability claims is normal. Some of the most common reasons include the following:

• Too few work credits
• Earnings above SSA limits
• Missing medical records
• Skipped medical treatments

Need Help with a Disability Claim

SSDI benefits protect your financial future when disability stops your career. Our Las Vegas disability attorneys win these vital benefits for clients every day, even after initial denials.

Your SSDI success depends on proving two key facts:

1. Your work history meets credit requirements – usually 40 credits total, 20 from the last 10 years
2. Your medical condition prevents working for at least 12 months or may result in death

The disability process overwhelms many people. Our attorneys shoulder that burden for you. From filing your initial claim to winning your appeal, we fight for the benefits you earned through years of work. Call us today – we’ll evaluate your case and explain exactly how to win your SSDI claim.

Frequently Asked Questions