Marc Whitehead & Associates | Board Certified in Social Security Disability Law
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Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a complex and stressful experience. But with the right preparation, you can dramatically improve your chances of success. At Marc Whitehead & Associates, we’ve helped thousands of clients across the country navigate the SSDI process and win the benefits they deserve.
For a free legal consultation, call (800) 562-9830
In this guide, we break down the eligibility rules, filing process, common mistakes, and what to expect. Whether you’re applying for the first time or starting an appeal, this article is designed to help you take the right steps toward your Social Security Disability claim.
SSDI Eligibility: Do You Qualify?
To be eligible for SSDI benefits, you must meet two key criteria:
- Work Credit Requirement:
- In 2025, you earn one work credit for every $1,730 in wages or self-employment income.
- You can earn up to 4 credits per year.
- Most workers need 40 total credits, with at least 20 earned in the last 10 years.
- Date Last Insured (DLI):
- This is the last date you were covered by SSDI based on your work record.
- You must prove that your disability began before this date to qualify.
If you don’t meet the SSDI work requirement, you may be eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
- SSI is need-based.
- In 2025, you must have:
- Less than $2,000 in countable resources (or $3,000 for couples)
- Very limited income
SSA’s Five-Step Sequential Evaluation Process
SSA uses a strict five-step process to determine whether you are disabled:
- Are you currently working?
- If you earn more than $1,530/month in 2025, you’re above the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold and may be denied.
- Is your condition severe?
- Your physical or mental condition must interfere with basic work-related activities for at least 12 months.
- Does your condition meet a listed impairment?
- SSA has a list of medical conditions that automatically qualify.
- Visit: disabilitydenials.com/listings to see the current list of qualifying impairments.
- Can you do your past relevant work?
- SSA reviews your work over the last 15 years.
- You must describe your past job duties in detail—especially the most physically demanding aspects.
- Can you do any other work?
- SSA applies Grid Rules, which are vocational guidelines used to determine disability based on your age, education, work experience, and Residual Functional Capacity (RFC).
- Under age 50: You generally must prove that you are unable to perform any work in the national economy.
- Age 50–54: More favorable if you’re limited to sedentary work and don’t have transferable job skills.
- Age 55+: Even more favorable if you’re limited to light work, especially with a lower level of education or non-transferable skills.
- These rules recognize that the ability to adjust to new work decreases with age and limited education or skills.
- SSA applies Grid Rules, which are vocational guidelines used to determine disability based on your age, education, work experience, and Residual Functional Capacity (RFC).
Residual Functional Capacity (RFC): What You Can Still Do
SSA evaluates your functional abilities through an RFC assessment. RFC describes the most physical and mental work you can still do on a regular and sustained basis:
- Sedentary: Able to lift up to 10 pounds occasionally; mostly sitting; minimal standing/walking.
- Light: Able to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently; requires standing or walking for much of the day.
- Medium: Able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and 25 pounds frequently; more physically demanding.
- Heavy: Able to lift up to 100 pounds occasionally; rare in disability claims.
RFC also includes limitations related to concentration, memory, persistence, social interaction, and adaptation. These functional areas are especially important in mental health-related claims.
Important: Your statements and medical records help shape SSA’s RFC assessment. If you understate your limitations or leave out key details, SSA may assign you an RFC that disqualifies you from benefits.
How to File Your SSDI Application Online
You can begin the process on SSA’s official site:
https://www.ssa.gov/applyfordisability
Here’s what the process includes:
- Create a My Social Security account (optional but recommended)
- Complete the SSDI application (Form SSA-16)
- Complete the Adult Disability Report (Form SSA-3368)
- Details your medical conditions, treatment, and work limitations
- Sign the Authorization to Disclose Information (Form SSA-827)
- For SSI applicants, complete Form SSA-8000, which includes detailed income and asset questions
The application takes time, so gather your documentation ahead of time and be as complete and accurate as possible.
What to Gather Before You File — and Why It Matters
Having the following information ready ensures that your application is not delayed or incomplete:
✅ Social Security Number and birth certificate – to verify identity
✅ List of all doctors and hospitals – names, addresses, phone numbers, dates of treatment
✅ Prescription medications – names, dosages, and conditions treated
✅ Work history (last 15 years) – job titles, physical duties, hours per week
✅ Educational background – highest level of education completed and any vocational training
This information will be used to evaluate your credibility, determine if your impairment is severe, and assess whether you can do your past work or any other work.
Top Mistakes That Can Derail Your Claim — And Why They Matter
❌ Minimizing mental health issues – Even if your claim is primarily physical, untreated depression, anxiety, or PTSD can be relevant.
❌ Vague or incomplete job descriptions – SSA might assume your work was less demanding than it really was, which could disqualify you at Step 4.
❌ Overstating your education or job skills – This can cause SSA to determine you can do more skilled or transferable work than you actually can.
❌ Inconsistent or missing medical records – Medical evidence is the backbone of your claim. Gaps in treatment or lack of documentation are red flags.
❌ Not explaining how your condition limits daily activities – SSA looks at your ability to function in real-life settings, not just medical diagnoses.
Understanding Your SSDI Benefits
If approved, you may be eligible for:
- Monthly Disability Payments: Based on your average indexed lifetime earnings. The amount varies by individual, not based on the severity of your condition.
- Medicare Coverage: Begins 24 months after you start receiving SSDI.
- Backpay: You may receive benefits retroactively to your established onset date (EOD), up to 12 months prior to your application.
In some cases, family members (spouse or minor children) may also be eligible for dependent benefits based on your earnings record.
When to Consult a Disability Lawyer
Filing an SSDI claim without legal guidance can be risky—especially if your medical condition is complex or your case involves a prior denial. At Marc Whitehead & Associates:
- You pay nothing upfront and no fee unless you win.
- We help develop medical evidence, complete complex forms, and attend hearings.
- We provide ongoing support from filing through appeals, if necessary.
Marc Whitehead & Associates
Experienced SSDI Lawyers | Nationwide Representation
Board Certified in Social Security Disability Law
