I Can No Longer Work Due to Disability
When disability prevents you from working, several federal programs can provide income and health coverage — but the application process takes months and sometimes years. The most critical action is applying immediately: your effective date goes back to your application date, not your approval date, so every month of delay is income you cannot recover.
What to do — in order
Apply for SSDI or SSI — today if possible
SSDI pays benefits based on your work history; SSI is for people with little or no work history. Apply for both at ssa.gov — SSA will determine which you qualify for. Two-thirds of initial applications are denied; that is normal. File the appeal within 60 days of any denial. Do not give up and do not start over with a new application.
How to apply for SSDI →Apply for state short-term disability if available
Several states (California, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Washington, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Oregon, Colorado) have state short-term disability insurance that pays benefits while you wait for SSDI approval. If you are in one of these states, apply immediately — state benefits typically start within 1-2 weeks.
Apply for Medicaid for health coverage
SSDI comes with Medicare — but only after a 24-month waiting period. In the meantime, apply for Medicaid to cover your healthcare costs. In Medicaid expansion states, you qualify if your income is below 138% FPL regardless of disability status.
How to apply for Medicaid →Apply for SNAP to cover food costs
With reduced or no income, you will likely qualify for SNAP. People with disabilities qualify for additional deductions that can increase your SNAP benefit amount. Apply through your state SNAP portal — expedited benefits can arrive within 7 days if you have no income.
How to apply for SNAP →Get medical documentation in order now
Your SSDI or SSI approval depends heavily on medical evidence. Start collecting records from every doctor, therapist, specialist, and hospital involved in your care. Request records in writing. The more detailed your medical record — especially records showing functional limitations — the stronger your case.
SSI vs. SSDI comparison →Programs that may apply to your situation
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for SSDI?
The initial determination takes 3-6 months. If denied, reconsideration takes 3-6 more months. If denied again, an ALJ hearing typically takes 12-24 months to be scheduled. Total time from application to approval for appeals is commonly 2-3 years. This is why applying immediately is critical.
Can I work at all while applying for SSDI?
You can work, but your earnings must stay below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold — $1,550/month in 2024 for non-blind individuals. Earning above this amount will result in denial at the first step of SSA's evaluation.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for SSDI?
You do not need a lawyer for the initial application. However, disability attorneys work on contingency (no upfront cost, capped at 25% of back pay or $7,200) and significantly improve approval rates at the ALJ hearing stage. Consider hiring a representative if you are denied at reconsideration.
What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?
SSDI requires work credits (typically 5 of the last 10 years of work) and pays based on your earnings history. SSI requires no work history but has strict income and asset limits ($2,000 for individuals). You can receive both if you have limited work history and low assets. Apply for both simultaneously — SSA determines which applies.
If you are denied
Every major program has an appeal process. A denial is not the end — many are reversed on appeal. See our Appeals Guide for program-specific deadlines and strategies.