SSDI Claim: What You Need to Know About Social Security Disability Benefits

When you can’t work because of a long-term disability, an SSDI claim, a request for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits based on your work history and medical condition. Also known as Social Security Disability, it’s not welfare—it’s insurance you paid into through payroll taxes. If you’ve worked enough years and your condition meets the SSA’s strict definition of disability, you could get monthly cash payments and eventually Medicare.

Many people confuse SSDI with SSI, but they’re different. SSI, Supplemental Security Income, is for low-income individuals with limited assets, regardless of work history. SSDI requires a work record—you need credits from jobs where Social Security taxes were taken out. The average SSDI recipient has worked for over 15 years. Your claim gets reviewed based on medical evidence, not just how you feel. The Social Security Administration uses a five-step process: Are you working? Is your condition severe? Does it match a listed impairment? Can you do your past work? Can you do any other work?

Medical records are everything. A doctor’s note saying "you’re disabled" isn’t enough. You need detailed reports showing diagnosis, treatment history, lab results, and how your condition limits daily tasks—like standing, lifting, concentrating, or sitting for more than 20 minutes. Common approved conditions include severe arthritis, heart disease, chronic kidney failure, bipolar disorder, and spinal disorders. But even with a serious diagnosis, over 70% of initial claims get denied. That’s not because the condition isn’t real—it’s because the paperwork is incomplete or doesn’t connect the dots between your symptoms and work limitations.

Appeals aren’t optional—they’re normal. If your first claim is turned down, you don’t give up. You file a request for reconsideration, then a hearing before an administrative law judge. At that stage, approval rates jump significantly. Many people win their SSDI claim only after a hearing, especially with help from a disability attorney or advocate who knows how to present medical evidence the SSA understands.

There’s a five-month waiting period after your disability starts before payments begin. Back pay can be owed for months or even years if your claim takes time to process. You’ll also need to report any changes—like returning to work part-time or getting other income—because it can affect your benefits. The SSA doesn’t just check your medical file once. They do continuing disability reviews every few years to make sure you still qualify.

The posts below cover real-world issues people face when dealing with SSDI claims: how certain medications affect your ability to work, what conditions are most likely to qualify, and how chronic illnesses like arthritis, nerve damage, or mental health disorders impact daily function. You’ll find guides on managing side effects from treatments, comparing drug options, and understanding how your health condition fits into the bigger picture of disability eligibility. This isn’t about guessing—it’s about knowing exactly what the system needs to see.