See details for your state

Social Security Administration

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

BenefitDisability SupportRecurringRolling

What it may cover

$44K

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

Check locally

What you get

SSDI provides monthly income replacement to workers who become disabled and can no longer engage in substantial gainful activity due to a medically determinable impairment. Benefit amounts are based on lifetime earnings and Social Security contributions. Applicants must have sufficient work credits and a qualifying disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

Support for disability-related income, healthcare, services, equipment, or independent living needs.

Bring medical, school, or agency records that explain the disability and the support needed.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Do you have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents substantial gainful activity?
Disability must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months, or be expected to result in death?
Do you have enough Social Security work credits?
Do you be performing substantial gainful activity at time of application?
Prior Medicare enrollment is not required — Medicare eligibility begins 24 months after SSDI benefit start?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1SSA Form SSA-16 (Application for Disability Insurance Benefits) — apply online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213
2Medical records documenting your condition from all treating physicians (SSA will request these with your authorization)
3SSA-827 (Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration) signed to release medical records
4Work history: employer names, addresses, dates, and job descriptions for the past 15 years
5W-2s or self-employment tax returns for the past 5 years
6Social Security card and government-issued photo ID

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the local benefits office that handles Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

U.S. Department of the Treasury / State ABLE Programs

ABLE Accounts

Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Assistive Technology Act Programs

Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Independent Living Centers

See details for your state

Social Security Administration

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

BenefitDisability SupportRecurringRolling

What it may cover

$44K

Enrollment

Open enrollment

Where available

Check locally

What you get

Support for disability-related income, healthcare, services, equipment, or independent living needs.

Bring medical, school, or agency records that explain the disability and the support needed.

Do you qualify?

Check what applies to you. Your answers are saved on this device so you can come back later.

0/5 confirmed

Do you have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that prevents substantial gainful activity?
Disability must have lasted or be expected to last at least 12 months, or be expected to result in death?
Do you have enough Social Security work credits?
Do you be performing substantial gainful activity at time of application?
Prior Medicare enrollment is not required — Medicare eligibility begins 24 months after SSDI benefit start?

What to bring

If you do not have one of these, apply anyway and ask what substitutes are accepted.

1SSA Form SSA-16 (Application for Disability Insurance Benefits) — apply online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213
2Medical records documenting your condition from all treating physicians (SSA will request these with your authorization)
3SSA-827 (Authorization to Disclose Information to the Social Security Administration) signed to release medical records
4Work history: employer names, addresses, dates, and job descriptions for the past 15 years
5W-2s or self-employment tax returns for the past 5 years
6Social Security card and government-issued photo ID

How to apply

Processing time varies by location and program funding.

1Find the right local officeUse your ZIP code to confirm the local benefits office that handles Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
2Apply online, by phone, or in personUse the official application path and keep a copy of anything you submit.
3Complete the interview or verificationMany benefits require a short call, appointment, or document check.
4Watch for a decisionKeep mail, email, and phone open so you do not miss follow-up requests.

Find local help

Your ZIP helps you confirm the right local office and state-specific rules.

You may also qualify for

Other programs in the same category that often go hand-in-hand.

U.S. Department of the Treasury / State ABLE Programs

ABLE Accounts

Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Assistive Technology Act Programs

Administration for Community Living, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Independent Living Centers