When and How Can You Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits?

Social Security disability insurance, commonly referred to as SSDI, is part of a federally-funded program meant to help provide income to people who cannot work because they suffer from a debilitating physical condition. Both people over and under the age of 18 can apply for SSDI, but the criteria for approval varies depending on your age. There are also other conditions which must be met before the Social Security Administration approves benefits. It take from 3 to 5 months before you are approved for benefits, so if you think you meet all the conditions and are eligible for SSDI, you should apply for them as soon as possible.

Application - Children

SSDI is available for children under the age of 18, but they must be applied for by the parent or guardian. An application must be completed, as well as a Child Disability Report, which includes permission to contact the child's primary care physician in order to gain more information about the disability.

Approval for Children

In order to receive benefits, it must be proven that the child is disabled and that there is little other source of income. The SSA has a strict definition of disability, even for children. The child's activities must be seriously limited because of the condition, and the disability must be expected to last (or have lasted) at least one year or result in death.

Application for Adults

Adults also have to fill out an official application form and a disability report. Both can be completed online, although you can get assistance with filling out the information at your local Social Security office. If you need help with the forms, you must call and set up an appointment in advance.

Approval for Adults

In order for an adult to be classified as disabled, she must not be able to do any work because of the condition and the disability must have lasted, or will last, at least one year or result in death. Adults do not automatically get SSDI if their doctors say they are disabled or if they are receiving disability payments from another source.

Adults and Children

Both adults and children will need to provide as much medical information when applying as possible, such as names and addresses of doctors and hospitals they have used, patient ID numbers, medicines taken, and any medical records they may have. Applications for both children and adults will also ask for birth certificates or other proof that they are US citizens or legal residents, Social Security Numbers, and bank account and contact information.