Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility for SSDI or SSI

Before you begin your application, it’s important to understand the difference between SSDI and SSI and determine which program you are eligible for:

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): SSDI is for individuals who have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes for a certain period. To qualify for SSDI, you must have a work history and meet the SSA’s definition of disability, which requires that your condition prevents you from working for at least 12 months or results in death.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): SSI is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. If you have little or no work history and are financially limited, SSI may be the right option.

Key Eligibility Requirements

• For SSDI: You must have earned enough work credits (usually around 40 credits, 20 of which must have been earned in the last 10 years). You must also have a qualifying disability.
• For SSI: You must have a disability and meet income and resource limits set by the SSA. SSI is typically for low-income individuals.

Step 2: Gather the Necessary Documentation

To apply for disability benefits, you will need to collect several pieces of important documentation. This will help establish your eligibility and support your claim:

• Medical Records: You must provide detailed documentation of your medical condition from your treating physician, including test results, diagnoses, treatments, and prognosis.
• Personal Information: Have your Social Security number, birth certificate, and other personal identification information on hand.
• Work History (if applicable): If applying for SSDI, gather details about your work history, including the types of jobs you’ve held and the dates you worked.
• Financial Information (if applying for SSI): You will need proof of your income, bank statements, and details of any resources (e.g., assets, savings accounts, etc.).

Step 3: Apply for Disability Benefits

In Nevada, you can apply for SSDI or SSI in several ways:

• Online: The easiest and most convenient way to apply for disability benefits is by using the SSA’s online application system at www.ssa.gov. This is available for both SSDI and SSI applications.
• By Phone: You can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to apply over the phone. The SSA will assist you in completing your application and answer any questions you have.
• In Person: If you prefer to apply in person, you can visit your local Social Security office in Nevada. Use the SSA’s office locator tool.

Application Tips:

• Complete the Application Carefully: Be sure to answer all questions thoroughly and accurately. Any mistakes or omissions can delay the process or result in a denial.
• Provide All Required Documentation: Make sure you submit all requested documents, such as medical records and work history. Missing documents can cause delays.

Step 4: Understand the SSA’s Disability Evaluation Process

The SSA uses a five-step process to determine whether you qualify for disability benefits. The steps include:

• Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): The SSA will first check if you are working and earning more than a certain threshold. If you earn more than the SGA limit (around $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals), you may not be considered disabled.
• Severe Impairment: The SSA will determine if your medical condition is severe enough to limit your ability to perform basic work tasks.
• Listed Impairment: If your condition is on the SSA’s List of Impairments, you may automatically qualify. If your condition is not listed, the SSA will evaluate whether it is equivalent to a listed condition.
• Past Work: The SSA will assess if you can still do the work you did previously.
• Other Work: If you cannot do your past work, the SSA will decide if you can perform any other type of work based on your age, education, and work experience.

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

After you submit your application, the SSA will review your case and make a decision. The process can take 3 to 5 months or longer, depending on the complexity of your case and the current backlog of applications. During this time, the SSA may request additional medical records or other information from you.

Step 6: What to Do If Your Application Is Denied

It’s common for initial disability applications to be denied, even if you meet all the eligibility requirements. If you are denied, don’t give up! You have the right to appeal the decision. Here’s how to proceed:

• Request Reconsideration: This is the first step in the appeals process. If your application is denied, you can request a reconsideration, where another SSA representative reviews your case.
• Request a Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is an opportunity to present your case in person.
• Appeal to the Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can appeal to the Appeals Council.

Step 7: Stay Organized and Follow Up

Once your application is submitted, it’s essential to keep track of all documents, deadlines, and communications from the SSA. You can create an account on the SSA’s website to monitor the status of your claim and respond promptly if additional information is requested.