Social Security Disability Benefits Attorney Christa Frank High of the Law Offices of Daniel J. Siegel, LLC discusses the basics of applying for Social Security Disability Benefits. She addresses the requirements for Social Security Disability (SSD) as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI). For both SSD and SSI, you must show the Social Security Administration that you are disabled. This means that you have a physical or mental condition(s) that causes severe limitations so you cannot work, and your condition(s) will either last for more than one year or will cause death. For Social Security Disability, you also must show that you are insured, which means that you have contributed enough to your Social Security account through your prior work. For Supplemental Security Income, you must show that you have limited resources and income.

Attorney High also explains specifically how to apply for Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income benefits--by first submitting the Application. If that is denied, then you apply for Reconsideration. If that is denied, then you request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. The process can take up to two years, but having an attorney to guide you through the process and represent you at the hearing increases your chances of getting benefits.