A serious illness, injury or medical condition can make it difficult for you to work and support yourself and the members of your family. When this happens, you may become eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
According to the Social Security Administration, the SSDI program provides benefits to the “insured,” or those who have paid enough Social Security tax on their earnings. If you want to apply for SSDI benefits, here is what will happen after you submit your application.
The review process
Once you turn in your application, the SSA will review your application to make sure you meet the requirements to receive benefits through the SSDI program. The SSA will also evaluate any work activities you currently participate in and confirm that you have worked for enough years to qualify for these benefits.
Processing and approval
After the SSA reviews your application, they will forward it to the Disability Determination Services office in the state where you live. When this office receives your application and the results of the review, they will determine whether you receive SSDI benefits or not.
Appealing a decision
If your state DDS office did not approve your application for SSDI benefits, you have the right to appeal this decision. You have 60 days after you receive notification of your application decision to submit an appeal request in writing.
The process for appealing a decision on an SSDI application can take significant time and effort. Make sure you thoroughly understand what the appeals process entails before proceeding to accurately and effectively represent your case.