The Social Security Disability Insurance Application Process
Everything you need to know about SSDI applications and how LaPorte Law Firm’s attorneys can help you get the benefits you deserve
The Social Security Disability Insurance Application Process
Everything you need to know about SSDI applications and how LaPorte Law Firm’s attorneys can help you get the benefits you deserve
Webinars and Ebooks
Watch professionals guide you through the disability application or appeal journey.
Read the tips and tricks of disability attorneys to maximize your chances.
What is SSDI?
Managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal insurance program designed to provide monthly benefits to people who are unable to work due to a disability.
If you have worked and paid Social Security taxes for 5 out of the last 10 years and are now completely disabled due to illness or injury, you may qualify for SSDI benefits. To do so, you must be able to prove to the SSA that you cannot perform your former job or any other type of work now that you are disabled. In addition, your condition must also be expected to last for at least 12 months.
To calculate your SSDI benefit amount, the SSA uses a formula based on your average lifetime earnings and the total number of years you have worked. If you have a family, you could receive additional benefits of up to 50% of your own monthly benefit amount.
How to apply for SSDI benefits
To start the disability claim process, you will have to file an application with the SSA for disability benefits. This involves completing a Disability Report (Form SSA-3368) and submitting it through the online disability application portal.
To be eligible to apply, you must be a person who:
- Has a medical condition that prevents you from working, meaning you are not currently working due to this condition
- Expects your medical condition will continue for 12 consecutive months
- Is receiving medical treatment for your condition
- Cannot perform substantial gainful activity or is earning income of over $1,350 gross per month, as determined by the SSA as of the year 2022
- Is insured for Social Security Disability benefits, meaning you have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes
If you are not sure if you are eligible for SSDI benefits, here is a quick five-point checklist to help you figure out if you are a suitable candidate. Answer the questions below as best as you can.
- Step 1: Are you currently working? (YES / NO)
- Step 2: Do you have a severe impairment that has lasted or is expected to last for 12 months? (YES / NO)
- Step 3: Is your medical condition one of those mentioned on the SSA’s list of impairments? (YES / NO)
- Step 4: If not mentioned on the SSA’s list of impairments, does your medical condition prevent you from doing your former job? (YES / NO)
- Step 5: Depending on your age, does your medical condition prevent you from doing any job in the economy, or if you are over 50, does it prevent you from doing a job similar to your previous role? (YES / NO)
Answering yes to a majority of these questions means you are likely eligible for SSDI benefits. However, if you are not sure how to answer any of the questions due to the uniqueness of your situation, you can contact us to get your case reviewed by our experienced SSDI attorneys free of charge.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for SSDI benefits?
Although hiring legal representation is not required when applying for SSDI benefits, statistics have shown that hiring a lawyer significantly improves your chances of success. For example, 66% of applicants are rejected by the SSA upon their first application; however, by hiring a lawyer, your odds of getting approved go up by as much as 23%. A study conducted by the Government Accountability Office also found that applicants with legal representation nearly tripled their odds of success at the hearing level.
When it comes to SSDI, making sure things are done correctly from the start is key, as fixing problems at a later stage of the process can be quite complex. The easiest way to ensure you are on the right track from day one is to have a Social Security Disability lawyer by your side who knows the system and can guide you through the entire process, preventing issues from arising later on. With the help of qualified SSDI legal representation, you will have a team of experts who can assist you with all aspects that the claim process may involve, such as:
- Guiding you through the process of filing the application
- Appealing any unfavorable decisions, if necessary
- Accompanying you to hearings with an administrative law judge
- Filing an appeal at an Appeals Council if necessary
- Filing a civil action in a Federal District Court
LaPorte Law Firm has over 40 years of experience in handling SSDI claims
We have helped thousands of clients get the benefits they deserve, and we can help you too.
To get the disability benefits you deserve, you need an advocate you can trust — someone who works meticulously, leaving no room for error and completing the application process seamlessly. We are that law firm.
Reach out to us and say goodbye to all the complexities and confusion of the SSDI process. Let us make the process of getting your benefits as stress-free and easy as possible.
As your legal representative, we can help you by:
- Scheduling a free, no-obligation first consultation with you to assess your situation
- Providing guidance on how to submit your application
- Checking and completing your application for SSDI benefits
- Requesting medical records from your doctors or health providers
- Submitting all documents and evidence to the SSA on your behalf
- Ensuring all deadlines are met when submitting forms and documents
- Communicating with Social Security on your behalf to ensure your case is being processed
- Preparing you for and accompanying you to your hearing
Take our free SSDI eligibility quiz to find out.
How the SSDI application process works
- If your initial application has been rejected, we can help you file your appeal with the SSA. For more information on this, you can consult our page dedicated to SSDI appeals.
Tired of going it alone?
Get the assistance you need in three easy steps.
Free consultation call
Book a free 30- to 60-minute consultation call with us so we can assess your situation.
Evaluation by experts
Receive your free case evaluation from our experienced team, who can review your medical history and discuss how Social Security law applies to your situation.
Get started
Begin the onboarding process with LaPorte Law Firm if your case is taken on by the legal team.
The results you deserve
With over 40 years of service, LaPorte Law Firm has won thousands of claims and appeals for our clients.
Thank you, Mr. LaPorte, for the hard work during the past year that you have been taking care of my case. You and Sylvia are always available when I have questions and have answered my questions in a very professional way.
Mir Farhad
Terry is the guy to go to for SSDI! He is very thorough, kind, and efficient. He really knows how to get things done! I was approved within months, when it usually takes years.
Christina Loza
Terry has been assisting me with my SSI trial. I very much value and appreciate his time. I am grateful to have him helping me, as I feel confident in his abilities.
Holly M.
How it works:
- Complete the form so we can learn more about your situation.
- We will reach out within 48 hours to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with an attorney.
- If your case can be pursued, we’ll start working on it.
- We only get paid if your case is approved.
How we can help:
- Free case evaluation by an attorney
- Social Security Disability Insurance application
- Social Security Disability Insurance appeal
- Disability hearing preparation
NO FEES UNLESS YOU WIN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Award-winning service
Equipped with years of experience and thousands of successful cases, LaPorte Law Firm is the leading disability attorney in the Bay Area, and we have the awards and certifications to prove it.