2025 SSDI Application Checklist: How to Apply for Social Security Disability Benefits

SSDI payments are for workers with a qualifying disability who meet the strict definition given by the Social Security Administration (SSA). Apart from meeting the requirements from a medical point of view, you must have paid enough taxes. To check it, just download your Social Security Statement from my SSA online account.

There goes the first thing you must do, to create a my Social Security account before you start your SSDI application online. If you have one, you can simply log in when required. It is possible to log in using ID.me or Login.gov. To create this account you must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen.

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SSDI online application checklist

Here is the full list of things you will need to fill out your SSDI application accurately:

Place of birth & date
if you were born outside the U.S.
- give SSA the name of your country of origin
- give the Agency your Permanent Resident Card number
Name of your current spouse (if any)
Name of your prior spouse (if any)
starting and ending dates of marriage(s)
(optional) Spouse’s Social Security Number and date of birth
Give SSA the names of the children who:
- had a disability before age 22
- are unmarried and under 18
- are 18-19 but still in secondary school full time

SSDI required info

Since SSDI are monthly payment from the Social Security Administration, you will need to give SSA the bank routing number and account type and number. In this way, those who qualify for SSDI will receive their direct deposit on the second, third or fourth Wednesday of the month. In some cases on the third day of the month. Other necessary information is:

U.S. Military Service duty and periods
Employer Details for Current Year and Prior 5 Years (not self-employment), name dates, and earnings
Self-Employment Details for Current Year and Prior 5 Years (income & type of business)
Alternate Contact (if someone applies for you)
Information About Doctors, Healthcare Professionals, Hospitals, and Clinics
Information About Other Medical Records
Education and Training
Job History

To see the SSDI checklist in full visit: https://www.ssa.gov/marketing/assets/materials/EN-05-10519.pdf