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⚖ SSDI & Disability Benefits Specialists — Zero Upfront Cost

Unable to Work
Due to a Medical Condition?
Claim What You’re Owed.

You’ve paid into Social Security your entire career. If a disability is stopping you from working, that money is yours — even if you’ve already been denied. A specialist contacts you the same day. It costs nothing to find out.

$4,152
Maximum monthly SSDI benefit Paid every month for as long as your disability continues. Back pay often covers months of missed benefits going back to your disability onset date.
70% of first claims are denied — most can be overturned. Appeal deadlines are strict. Don’t wait until the window closes on benefits you’ve already earned.
  • Medical condition preventing you from working full-time
  • Previously denied — we handle appeals, hearings & ALJ reviews
  • Back injury, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, mental health & more
  • Maximize back pay going back to your disability onset date
  • Spouse & dependent children may qualify for auxiliary benefits
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10M+Americans receiving SSDI today
$1,550Average monthly benefit in 2025
70%Of first applications are denied
$0Review cost
Simple Process

Getting Your Benefits Is Simpler Than You Think

We guide you every step of the way — from your first free review to receiving your monthly benefits check.

Tell Us Your Situation

Complete our secure 3-minute online form. Share basic information about your disability, work history, and whether you've applied before. No medical records needed at this stage.

Get Matched With a Specialist

We connect you with an experienced SSDI attorney or advocate who reviews your unique case, evaluates your eligibility, and explains your options — completely free of charge.

We Fight for Your Approval

Your specialist handles everything — applications, appeals, ALJ hearings, and negotiations. We fight to get the benefits you've earned.

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Know Your Rights

Understanding SSDI Benefits

Everything you need to know about Social Security Disability Insurance — explained in plain English, no legal jargon.

What Is SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program that pays monthly benefits to Americans who become disabled before retirement age and can no longer work. It's funded through the payroll taxes you've already paid throughout your career — you earned it.

SSDI is not welfare. The SSA considers you "insured" because you've worked and paid into Social Security through FICA taxes. The amount you receive is based on your lifetime average earnings. Family members — including spouses and dependent children — may also qualify for auxiliary benefits. SSDI is distinct from Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is purely need-based. After 24 months of SSDI benefits, you automatically qualify for Medicare health coverage regardless of your age.

Who Qualifies for SSDI?

To qualify, you generally need two things: a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, and enough work history to have earned sufficient Social Security credits. You must also be under age 65.

Qualifying conditions include back and spine disorders, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, mental health conditions (depression, PTSD, anxiety), neurological conditions (MS, epilepsy, Parkinson's), severe arthritis, and hundreds more. The SSA uses a "Blue Book" of listed impairments, but even conditions not on the list can qualify if they prevent you from working. Most people need 40 work credits — about 10 years of work — with 20 earned in the last 10 years. Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits.

How Much Will I Receive?

Your SSDI benefit is based on your average lifetime earnings before you became disabled. In 2025, the average monthly SSDI payment is approximately $1,550, but benefits can be significantly higher — up to $4,152 per month.

The SSA uses a weighted formula called the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) to calculate your benefit. Higher lifetime earners generally receive more. In addition to your monthly benefit, you may be entitled to back pay for the months between your disability onset date and your approval — sometimes totaling tens of thousands of dollars. Your spouse and dependent children may receive auxiliary benefits worth up to 50% of your benefit amount. After 24 months of SSDI, you automatically qualify for Medicare.

What If I Was Denied?

Don't give up — a denial is not the end. Over 60% of initial applications are denied, but many of those decisions are reversed on appeal. You have the right to appeal, and professional representation dramatically improves your chances of success.

The appeals process has four levels: (1) Reconsideration — a fresh review by someone new; (2) ALJ Hearing — before an Administrative Law Judge, where approval rates jump significantly with representation; (3) Appeals Council review; and (4) Federal Court. Most successful appeals are won at the ALJ hearing stage. You have 60 days from your denial letter to file an appeal. Do not miss this deadline — contact us immediately after any denial to protect your rights.

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Learn More

Watch: What Is SSDI and Do You Qualify

Short videos that explain what you need to know

SSDI Explainer

Watch: How We Help You Win Your SSDI Claim

Understand the basics of Social Security Disability Insurance, who qualifies, and how to start your application with confidence — presented by our disability specialists.

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Avoid Costly Errors

Top 5 Mistakes That Get SSDI Claims Denied

Even qualified applicants are denied due to preventable errors. Know what to avoid — and how we help you get it right.

1

Waiting Too Long to Apply

Many people delay applying for SSDI, hoping their condition will improve or assuming they won't qualify. Waiting too long can affect your eligibility and significantly reduce your back pay. It's best to apply as soon as it becomes clear you can no longer work due to a medical condition.

Tip: Your "disability onset date" determines how much back pay you receive. Earlier is almost always better — apply now, even if you're unsure you'll qualify.
2

Submitting Incomplete Medical Records

The SSA bases decisions almost entirely on medical documentation. Brief doctor's notes or gaps in your treatment history are among the top reasons applications are denied. Your records must clearly demonstrate how your condition limits your ability to work on a sustained basis.

Tip: Ensure your doctors document specific functional limitations — not just your diagnosis. A specialist can help you gather and organize records effectively.
3

Not Following Your Treatment Plan

If you're skipping appointments, not taking prescribed medications, or ignoring recommended treatments, the SSA may conclude your condition isn't serious or could be managed. This is a major red flag that frequently triggers denials.

Tip: Always follow your doctor's orders and document every appointment. If you can't afford care, assistance programs exist — a specialist can guide you.
4

Applying Without Professional Help

SSDI rules are incredibly complex, and the application is designed by lawyers. Even small errors in describing your limitations, work history, or medical conditions can result in a denial that takes years to reverse on appeal.

Tip: Working with an experienced SSDI advocate from day one significantly increases your odds of initial approval — not just at the appeal stage.
5

Giving Up After a Denial

Over 60% of initial SSDI applications are denied. But this does not mean you are ineligible. Many denials are reversed on appeal — especially at the ALJ hearing stage, where approval rates jump dramatically with proper legal representation.

Tip: You have 60 days to appeal after a denial. Don't miss this window. Contact us immediately after any denial to protect your rights and build a winning case.

Don't make these costly mistakes.

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Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About SSDI

Honest, plain-English answers to the questions we hear most from people just like you.

To qualify, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months (or is expected to result in death), and you must have worked long enough to earn sufficient work credits through Social Security. Most people need about 10 years of work history, though younger workers may qualify with fewer credits. You must also be under age 65 and not yet receiving Social Security retirement benefits.
The SSA maintains a "Blue Book" of listed impairments, but any medically documented condition that prevents substantial gainful activity (SGA) may qualify. This includes musculoskeletal disorders (back pain, arthritis), cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, neurological conditions (MS, epilepsy, Parkinson's), mental health disorders (severe depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder), respiratory conditions, and many others. The condition must be supported by objective medical evidence from your treating physicians.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based entirely on your work history and the Social Security taxes you've paid over your career. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a need-based program with strict income and asset limits — work history is not required. Some people qualify for both programs simultaneously (called "concurrent benefits"). Our specialists can determine which programs you're eligible for and help you apply for both if appropriate.
Initial decisions typically take 3 to 6 months. If denied and you appeal, reconsideration adds another 3 to 6 months, and an ALJ hearing can take 12 to 24 months depending on your region. The entire process can take 2 to 3 years without professional guidance. Working with a specialist from the start helps ensure your case is complete and moves as efficiently as possible through the system.
Don't give up. Most applications are denied initially — it doesn't mean you're ineligible. You have the right to appeal within 60 days of your denial notice. The process has four levels: (1) Reconsideration, (2) ALJ Hearing, (3) Appeals Council review, and (4) Federal Court. Approval rates at the ALJ hearing stage are significantly higher for applicants with professional legal representation. Contact us right after any denial so we can help you appeal.
The amount depends on your average lifetime earnings before becoming disabled. In 2025, the average SSDI monthly payment is approximately $1,550, but benefits range widely up to the maximum of $4,152/month for higher earners. You may also be entitled to substantial back pay for the months between your disability onset date and approval date — sometimes totaling tens of thousands of dollars.
Yes, under the SSA's Trial Work Period (TWP) program, you can test your ability to work for up to 9 months without losing benefits. During 2025, you can earn any amount during these trial months. After the trial period, strict Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) income limits apply ($1,620/month in 2025). Always consult a specialist before returning to work to understand how your earnings will affect your benefits.
Yes. You automatically become eligible for Medicare after receiving SSDI benefits for 24 consecutive months — with no age requirement. This is different from standard Medicare eligibility at age 65. Certain conditions like ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) and end-stage renal disease qualify for Medicare immediately or much sooner than the standard waiting period.
Yes. SSDI and VA disability compensation are entirely separate programs and can generally be received simultaneously. VA compensation is not counted as income by the SSA for SSDI purposes. However, VA pension — a needs-based benefit — may be affected by SSDI income. A specialist can help you maximize both programs and understand how they interact in your specific situation.
Yes — representation significantly increases your chances of approval, especially at the appeals stage. Most disability attorneys and advocates work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless you win. The SSA caps this fee at 25% of your back pay, up to a federally set maximum. Our specialists are experienced, compassionate, and only get paid when you receive your benefits. The initial consultation is always free.

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Don't Wait

Every Month You Delay Is a Month Without Benefits

You've earned these benefits through years of hard work. Don't let a confusing system or a past denial stop you from getting what's rightfully yours.

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