# Applying for Social Security disability (SSDI) > SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough; SSI is for people with very limited income and savings, and you can apply for both. Your condition must keep you from substantial work and be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Gather medical and work records and apply through Social Security. SSDI usually starts after a 5-month waiting period. If denied, appeal within 60 days. Representatives are paid a capped share only if you win. - URL: https://explained.page/applying-for-ssdi - Language: en - Last checked: 2026-10-29 - Watch the 1-minute animated guide: https://explained.page/watch?start=applying-for-ssdi ## Step by step 1. **Can’t work because of a serious health condition?** Social Security disability may help. It takes paperwork and patience. Here’s how it works. 2. **Two programs.** SSDI is for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough. SSI is for people with very limited income and savings. You can apply for both. 3. **Know the basic test.** Your condition must keep you from substantial work and be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Medical records are key. 4. **Gather your information.** Names and dates of doctors and clinics, medicines, tests, and the jobs you did in recent years. 5. **Apply online, by phone, or at an office.** Apply through Social Security as soon as you can. SSDI payments usually start after a 5-month waiting period. 6. **Denied? Don’t give up. Appeal within 60 days.** Many first applications are denied. You can ask for reconsideration, then a hearing before a judge, where many people win. 7. **Representatives get paid only if you win.** Disability lawyers and representatives usually take a capped share of past-due benefits, and only if you win. After 24 months of SSDI, Medicare starts. 8. **Look it up the right way.** Search with your town or state in the words. Pick the official site: it usually ends in .gov. Skip ads and sites that charge for free forms. ## Checklist - Know SSDI vs SSI - Check the 12-month rule - Gather medical and work records - Apply as soon as you can - Denied? Appeal within 60 days - Representatives are paid only if you win ## Two programs - **SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance):** for people who worked long enough and recently enough to earn work credits. - **SSI (Supplemental Security Income):** for people with disabilities (or age 65+) who have very limited income and resources. You can apply for both at once. ## The basic test You must be unable to do substantial gainful work because of a medical condition expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Social Security looks at medical evidence, your age, education and past work. ## Gather information Doctors, clinics and hospitals with dates, medicines, test results, and the jobs you did in recent years. Keep seeing your doctors; ongoing treatment records matter. ## Apply Online, by phone or at a local office. Apply as soon as you can. SSDI benefits usually begin after a five-month waiting period. ## If you’re denied Many first applications are denied. Appeal within 60 days: 1. Reconsideration. 2. A hearing before an administrative law judge. 3. Appeals Council, then federal court. ## Getting help Disability lawyers and representatives usually charge a fee capped by law, taken from past-due benefits, and only if you win. Avoid anyone demanding large upfront fees. ## Health coverage SSDI recipients usually get Medicare after 24 months of benefits. SSI often comes with Medicaid. ## Common questions ### How long does an SSDI decision take? Often several months for the first decision, and longer for appeals. Apply early and respond quickly to requests. Source page: https://explained.page/applying-for-ssdi/questions/how-long-does-an-ssdi-decision-take ### Can I work while applying for disability? Earnings above a set monthly limit can count against you. Ask Social Security about current limits. Source page: https://explained.page/applying-for-ssdi/questions/can-i-work-while-applying-for-disability ### Who qualifies for SSDI? People who earned enough Social Security work credits and have a medical condition that prevents substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Source page: https://explained.page/applying-for-ssdi/questions/who-qualifies-for-ssdi ### What is the difference between SSDI and SSI? SSDI is based on your work history. SSI is needs-based, for people with very limited income and resources. You can apply for both. Source page: https://explained.page/applying-for-ssdi/questions/what-is-the-difference-between-ssdi-and-ssi ### How long does it take to get approved for disability? First decisions often take several months; appeals take longer. Benefits for SSDI usually start after a five-month waiting period. Source page: https://explained.page/applying-for-ssdi/questions/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-approved-for-disability ### What should I do if my disability claim is denied? Appeal within 60 days. Many people are approved at reconsideration or at a hearing before a judge. Source page: https://explained.page/applying-for-ssdi/questions/what-should-i-do-if-my-disability-claim-is-denied ### How much does a disability lawyer cost? Fees are capped by law and usually paid only from past-due benefits if you win. Source page: https://explained.page/applying-for-ssdi/questions/how-much-does-a-disability-lawyer-cost ### When do I get Medicare on SSDI? Usually after 24 months of receiving SSDI benefits, with some exceptions. Source page: https://explained.page/applying-for-ssdi/questions/when-do-i-get-medicare-on-ssdi ## Official sources - [Social Security: disability benefits](https://www.ssa.gov/disability/) - [Social Security: SSI](https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/) - [Social Security: appeals](https://www.ssa.gov/) To find your local office, search for: - "ssa.gov disability starter kit" - "social security office near me" --- General information, not legal or professional advice. Rules differ by state. From explained.page (www.explained.page). Life’s stuff, explained simply.