Step 1: Confirm Work Credit Eligibility

You must:

• Have enough work credits earned by paying into Social Security through employment.
• The number of credits depends on your age at disability onset.
• For those under 30, fewer credits may be needed compared to older adults.

Step 2: Meet Medical Disability Criteria

Your disability must:

• Prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity.
• Be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.
• Have thorough medical documentation supporting your condition.

Step 3: Understand Younger Beneficiary Requirements

For individuals under 30:

• The SSA uses a special medical vocational profile that considers limited work history.
• Disabilities starting early in life may be evaluated differently.

Step 4: Apply Through SSA and Provide Documentation

When applying:

• Submit complete and accurate medical and employment records.
• Cooperate with SSA requests for additional exams if needed.

Common Challenges

Watch out for:

• Insufficient work credits due to limited job history.
• Medical evidence not fully documenting your disability.
• Denials related to age and residual functional capacity.