Step 1: Determine If You Qualify for SSDI

Before applying, make sure you meet the basic eligibility criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA):

✅ Work History Requirements: You must have enough "work credits," which are earned through past employment where you paid Social Security taxes. Typically, you need 40 credits (10 years of work), but younger applicants may qualify with fewer credits. (Read our SSDI Work Credit Guide to learn more.)
✅ Medical Condition: Your disability must meet the SSA's definition of a severe impairment that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death.
✅ SSA’s Blue Book Listings: Your condition should match or be equivalent to an impairment listed in the SSA’s Blue Book, though applicants can still qualify even if their condition is not listed.

🔎 How to Check: Use the SSA’s online screening tool at SSA.gov to see if you meet basic eligibility requirements.

Step 2: Gather Your Documentation

The more thorough and accurate your documentation, the stronger your SSDI application will be. The SSA relies heavily on medical and work history records to determine whether your condition prevents you from working, so gathering the right information before you apply can help prevent delays or denials.

🩺 Medical Evidence

Your medical records are the foundation of your SSDI claim. Prepare to provide:

• Records of doctor visits, hospital stays, and test results

• Treatment history, including medications, therapies, and procedures

• Medical statements that align with SSA Blue Book requirements for your condition

• A personal medical journal documenting your symptoms, daily struggles, and how your condition affects your ability to work

• A timeline of your condition’s progression, showing when symptoms began, how they worsened, and the impact on your daily life

• A timeline of medical visits to demonstrate ongoing treatment and consistency in seeking care

• Pharmacy records showing prescribed medications, dosages, and refill history, which can help prove long-term treatment and compliance with medical care

• Contact information for your medical providers, including doctors, specialists, and hospitals

• Statements from physicians explaining your diagnosis, prognosis, and work limitations in detail

Providing clear, consistent medical records that match SSA’s disability criteria is one of the most important steps in getting approved.

💼 Work History & Income Records

Since SSDI is based on your ability to work, SSA will review your past jobs and whether you can transition to another type of work. Be sure to include:

• A timeline of jobs you’ve held in the last 15 years, including job titles, duties, and required physical or mental tasks

• The type of work you performed, such as physical labor, customer service, or office work

• W-2s or tax returns to verify past earnings

• Statements from past employers related to your condition, if available, describing any accommodations you needed or how your condition affected your job performance

📜 Personal Information

• Social Security number and birth certificate

• Education records, including diplomas, degrees, and any specialized training or certifications

Education documentation is especially important because SSA considers your education level when deciding whether you can switch to a different type of work. Applicants with a higher education level or specialized skills may face a more difficult approval process, as SSA may determine they can adapt to a different job.

Taking the time to gather detailed and well-organized records can make a big difference in the approval process. The more complete your application, the stronger your case will be.

Step 3: File Your SSDI Application

You can submit your application in one of three ways:

1️⃣ Online – The fastest option. Apply at SSA.gov
2️⃣ By Phone – Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213
3️⃣ In Person – Visit your local SSA office (schedule an appointment in advance)

💡 Pro Tip: If you apply online, you can start the process, save your progress, and return later to complete it.

Step 4: Follow Up & Respond Promptly

Once you submit your application:
✔️ Check your application status online or by calling SSA
✔️ Respond to SSA requests for additional information or medical exams promptly
✔️ Keep copies of all submitted documents

Step 5: What If Your Claim is Denied?

Most applicants are denied on their first attempt. If this happens:

🔄 File for Reconsideration – You have 60 days to appeal the decision.
⚖️ Request a Hearing – If denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ).
🆘 Consider Getting Help – While you can handle the appeals process alone, working with a disability advocate or attorney can improve your chances.

The Reality of SSDI Success Rates

Filing for SSDI on your own might seem like the easiest option, but the numbers tell a different story. The truth is, most people who apply without professional help face multiple denials before ever seeing approval. In fact, only 35% of initial applications get approved, meaning nearly two-thirds of applicants are left without benefits after their first try.

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal—but the odds don’t get much better without help. At the reconsideration stage, only 13% of appeals are approved, making it one of the toughest steps in the process. This is where many people lose hope, not realizing that persistence is key.

For those who push forward to a hearing, the approval rate jumps. But here’s the catch—only 40% of people who represent themselves win their case. Compare that to the 64% success rate for those with an attorney, and it’s clear that having an experienced advocate can make a huge difference. In fact, studies show that applicants with legal representation are three times more likely to win their case than those who go it alone.

The Long Road: How Long Does It Take to Get SSDI?

Unfortunately, filing for SSDI is not a quick-fix solution for financial problems resulting from a disability. Many applicants expect a decision in a few months, but the reality is much different. On average, it takes about 7.3 months just to get an initial decision. If your claim is denied, reconsideration adds another 7.1 months. If your case goes to a hearing, that’s another 15 months—making the total process close to three years for some applicants.

The best way to reduce delays is to submit a complete, well-documented application from the start. Every missing document or unclear medical report can push your case back even further.

Who Should File on Their Own?

If you have strong attention to detail, are comfortable researching government regulations, and can navigate complex government forms and agencies, you may have a better chance of successfully managing your claim.

However, having a college degree or advanced job skills can actually make it harder to qualify unless your condition is on the Compassionate Allowances list. SSA may expect you to transition to another job if you have specialized training.

Summary

Filing for SSDI on your own is possible with careful preparation. Gather strong medical and work documentation, follow SSA’s process, and respond to any requests for information promptly. If denied, don’t lose hope—many applicants succeed on appeal.

Disclaimer & AI Ethical Statement

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns or questions. Consult with a licensed attorney for legal advice.

AI Ethical Statement: This article includes information sourced from government health websites, reputable academic journals, and non-profit organizations. A human author has substantially edited, arranged, and reviewed all content, exercising creative control over the final output. People and machines make mistakes. Please contact us if you see a correction that needs to be made.

Reference

National Bureau of Economic Research. (n.d.). Legal representation in Social Security Disability Insurance claims. Retrieved from https://www.nber.org/brd-20214/legal-representation-social-security-disability-insurance-claims