Step 1: Check Your Eligibility for SSDI

Before you start your application, it's essential to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for SSDI. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

• Work History: To qualify for SSDI, you need to have worked and paid into Social Security for a certain number of years. The number of years depends on your age when you become disabled. Generally, younger workers need fewer work credits than older workers. You need at least 20 work credits if you're over 30.
• Disability Requirements: Your disability must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) will evaluate your condition based on their Listing of Impairments or your ability to perform substantial gainful activity (SGA).
• Severe Disability: Your condition must be severe enough to interfere with your ability to perform basic work activities. The SSA will assess your medical records and functional limitations to determine if you're eligible for benefits.

Step 2: Gather Your Medical and Work History Information

To apply for SSDI, you’ll need to gather specific information related to your medical condition and work history:

• Medical Documentation:
• Detailed medical records from your treating physicians, specialists, or hospitals showing your condition and how it affects your ability to work.
• Records of any treatments, medications, or therapies you've tried.
• Statements from your doctors or healthcare providers explaining how your disability limits your ability to work.
• Work History:
• Information about your employment history, including the names and addresses of past employers for the last 15 years.
• Documentation of your job duties, as the SSA will evaluate if you can still perform your previous job.
• Details of your income and tax records, including W-2s, pay stubs, and tax returns, to show that you’ve worked and paid into the Social Security system.

Step 3: Apply for SSDI Online, By Phone, or In-Person

There are several ways you can apply for SSDI in Kansas:

• Apply Online: The most convenient and fastest way to apply for SSDI is through the SSA’s online application portal. You can visit the official website at www.ssa.gov and complete the application online. This allows you to apply at your own pace and track your claim’s progress.
• Apply by Phone: You can also apply by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. You’ll schedule an appointment to complete your application over the phone. The SSA office is available Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Apply in Person: If you prefer to apply in person, you can visit your local Social Security office in Kansas. The SSA has offices throughout the state. To find the nearest office, use the SSA office locator tool on their website.

Step 4: Complete the SSDI Application

When applying, it’s essential to complete the application accurately and honestly. The SSA will ask for the following information:

• Personal Information: Including your full name, Social Security number, date of birth, and contact details.
• Medical Information: Information about your medical condition, doctors, and treatments.
• Work History: Detailed information about your previous jobs and how long you worked.

Take your time to fill out the application, and make sure you include all the required documents to avoid delays. If you’re applying online, you’ll be able to save your progress and return to finish the application later.

Step 5: Wait for the SSA’s Decision

After submitting your application, the SSA will review your claim. This process may take several months, as the SSA carefully evaluates your medical condition, work history, and ability to work.

During this time, the SSA may contact you for additional information, such as medical records or clarification on your disability. It's important to respond to these requests promptly to avoid delays in the processing of your claim.

Step 6: Understand the SSA’s Evaluation Process

The SSA evaluates SSDI claims using a five-step process:

• Step 1 – Are You Working?: If you're currently working and earning more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit ($1,470 per month for non-blind individuals in 2025), your claim may be denied.
• Step 2 – Is Your Condition Severe?: The SSA will determine if your condition is severe enough to limit your ability to perform basic work tasks.
• Step 3 – Does Your Condition Meet a Listing?: If your condition matches one of the SSA’s Listing of Impairments, you may automatically qualify for SSDI.
• Step 4 – Can You Do Your Past Work?: The SSA will evaluate whether you can still perform your past work based on your medical condition and limitations.
• Step 5 – Can You Do Other Work?: If you can’t perform your previous job, the SSA will assess whether you can perform any other work considering your age, education, and transferable skills.

Step 7: Appeal a Denial (If Necessary)

It's common for SSDI claims to be denied, especially if your condition is not well-documented or your disability doesn’t meet the SSA’s strict criteria. If your SSDI claim is denied, don’t give up! You have the right to appeal the decision.

• Request a Reconsideration: The first step is to ask the SSA to review your claim again. If they deny your request, you can proceed to the next step.
• Request a Hearing: If reconsideration is denied, you can ask for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is a crucial step where you can present your case in person.
• Appeals Council: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can appeal to the Appeals Council for a review.
• Federal Court: As a last resort, you can file a lawsuit in federal court if all other appeals have been exhausted.