Living with a chronic medical condition can make it difficult—if not impossible—to maintain steady employment. If your illness affects your ability to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). However, applying for SSDI is not a simple process, and many first-time applicants are denied due to incomplete documentation or missed steps.
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of filing for disability benefits based on a chronic condition, so you can better understand your rights and what to expect along the way.
Step 1: Determine If You Qualify
Before applying, make sure you meet the basic SSDI eligibility requirements:
- You must have a medically determinable impairment that has lasted or is expected to last at least one year or result in death.
- Your condition must prevent you from engaging in substantial gainful activity (i.e., working a full-time job).
- You must have worked long enough and recently enough to earn the necessary work credits under the Social Security system.
Not all chronic conditions qualify automatically, but many—including lupus, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and severe mental health disorders—can be approved with proper documentation.
Step 2: Gather Medical Evidence
The strength of your medical evidence is often the deciding factor in your application. Social Security examiners will want to see clear proof that your condition prevents you from working.
Helpful documentation includes:
- Medical records and test results from your doctor or specialist
- A complete treatment history, including medications and side effects
- Hospital or emergency room visit summaries
- Notes from physical therapy or mental health providers
- A written statement from your doctor outlining your limitations
The more thorough and consistent your records are, the stronger your case will be.
Step 3: File Your Application
You can apply for SSDI benefits in one of three ways:
- Online through the Social Security Administration’s website
- By phone with a representative
- In person at a Social Security office
Make sure to complete all sections of the application carefully and honestly. You’ll be asked to provide:
- Personal and work history
- Details of your condition
- Contact information for your doctors
- Dates of treatment
- Medications you take and their side effects
Even a small mistake or omission can delay your claim.
Step 4: Be Prepared for a Long Wait
SSDI claims can take several months to process. Many applicants are initially denied—not necessarily because they aren’t eligible, but because the application was missing key details or the condition wasn’t fully explained.
If you’re denied, don’t panic. You have the right to appeal the decision, and many people win their case on appeal with the help of a qualified attorney.
Step 5: Appeal If Necessary
There are multiple levels of appeal available through the Social Security system:
- Reconsideration – A new examiner reviews your case.
- Hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ) – You can present additional evidence and testify about how your condition affects your life.
- Appeals Council review – If the ALJ denies your claim, you can request a review.
- Federal court – As a final step, you may file a lawsuit in federal court.
Having legal representation during the appeals process can make a major difference in the outcome.
Get Support Every Step of the Way
Applying for disability benefits when you’re already dealing with a chronic condition is overwhelming—but you don’t have to face it alone. At PLBH, we help workers understand their rights, navigate the SSDI process, and fight back against wrongful denials.
Call PLBH at (800) 435-7542 to schedule a free consultation. We’re here to support you from your initial application through every stage of appeal—so you can focus on your health while we focus on your case.