Before Applying for SSD - Eligibility

Should I describe my type of work/past industry while applying?

Social Security was designed to help people in need. While the majority of assistance goes to older Americans, a large portion of Social Security’s benefits go to those with disabilities.

Filing for disability benefits can be tricky; however, so it is vital that your application is properly filled out. With the right information and resources, you can hopefully be approved for disability benefits in as little as a few months.

Should I describe my work experience when applying?

In short: Definitely yes. And here is why:

What are the Requirements for SSI?

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) differs from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in that SSI payments are made from the general funds of the United States Treasury whereas SSDI benefits are paid from the Social Security Trust Fund. Accordingly, no previous work history is required. To qualify for SSI benefits, you must have little or no income and meet any of the following three criteria:

Where can I find a Social Security office near me?

Disability benefits are a great way to cover the costs of medical bills and every day living expenses if you suffer from a disability or medical condition and are unable to work. To start receiving benefits, you have to apply for them with the Social Security Administration (SSA) either online, over the phone, with the help of an attorney, or in person at your local SSA office. Fortunately, there are many SSA offices throughout the country to make an in-person application as accessible as possible.

Are There Special Disability Programs for Wounded Warriors?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has disability programs for people who are medically disabled and are unable to work. You should know that if you’re a veteran who’s a wounded warrior, the SSA makes allowances for you to receive Social Security disability and VA disability simultaneously. In fact, the SSA will expedite claims for military service members who have become disabled while actively serving on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where your disability has occurred.

How should I apply for benefits at age 50+?

Nearly 1 in 5 Americans reports having a disability of some kind. Of these Americans, the majority are over 50 years old. As bodies age, some severe disorders become more common, while other less-dangerous disorders grow into larger problems.

These issues can make it difficult or even impossible to find work. If you're in this position, you may be worrying about you'll make ends meet. It can be a terrifying position to be in, but there is hope for you.

What does “ambulate effectively” mean in the Blue Book?

Applying for disability benefits can be tricky, especially when figuring out if you may qualify for benefits. The Social Security Blue Book is a great resource to refer to here, but even the Blue Book uses language that may be difficult to understand.

If your disorder requires an inability to “ambulate effectively,” continue below to learn what this term means and how you can provide evidence of this on your disability application.

Find Out If I Qualify for Benefits!