References – Official Sources

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) pays benefits to people unable to work due to a serious medical condition lasting at least one year. To qualify, you must have paid Social Security taxes and earned enough work credits. Certain family members, such as a spouse, former spouse, or children, may also be eligible. These programs provide financial support during difficult times.

For SSA claims, you have 60 days to request a review at each level—reconsideration, hearing, Appeals Council, or federal court. VA claims give you one year to file a supplemental claim, request a higher-level review, or board appeal. Meeting these deadlines is critical; missing a date could end your disability claim and affect your eligibility for benefits.

Yes, but with limits. SSA allows a Trial Work Period, giving a person the chance to test their ability to work while keeping SSDI benefits. Earnings above the Substantial Gainful Activity threshold may end eligibility. VA disability benefits are not reduced by money earned from jobs, since payments are based on service connection, not income. Always report changes in your account.

You can apply for VA disability benefits by filing a VA disability claim online, by mail, in person, or by fax. The required documents include separation papers such as DD214, service treatment records, dependency records such as children’s birth certificates, and private medical records. Many veterans choose help from a veterans service officer, claims agent, or accredited attorney to guide them through the process and ensure stronger disability claim submissions.

Strong medical evidence is required. Provide medical records, test results, treatment notes, and doctor letters. SSA looks at whether your medical condition limits your ability to work. VA requires service treatment records plus a medical nexus showing a link to service. Submitting complete and consistent documents helps the Social Security Administration or VA decide faster and improves your chance of being approved.

The application process varies. SSA initial disability applications take 3–6 months, while appeals can extend timelines a year or longer. VA claims average 94–125 days, though board appeals may exceed 500 days. The five-month waiting period applies before SSDI pays benefits. Filing early and checking your application status through SSA’s services or your VA account helps reduce delays.

Yes. A person may apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) while also seeking VA disability benefits. VA payments don’t count as income for SSI, and SSDI depends on work history. Applying for both may provide additional resources and stronger support for your household. Keeping your documents aligned across agencies avoids conflicts.

By law, SSDI has a five-month waiting period. This means benefits begin in the sixth month after your disability onset date. The rule ensures only long-term medical conditions qualify for SSDI benefits. SSI doesn’t have this rule. Filing your disability application online, by phone, or at a local Social Security office with complete medical records helps establish the correct date and start payment sooner.

Social Security Disability and VA programs recognize mental impairments like depression, PTSD, or anxiety. To qualify, you must show how symptoms limit your ability to work. SSA evaluates daily functioning and reliability, while VA focuses on service connection and severity. Submitting psychiatric medical records, therapy notes, and provider forms supports your claim and demonstrates how mental illness impacts your job and daily life.