It’s notoriously difficult to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits – and the application process is arguably one of the most arduous you can find when it comes to obtaining government assistance.
That being said, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has recently made changes that will bring a little bit of relief and streamline the application process for many.
You no longer have to remember the last 15 years of employment
In the past, SSA required SSDI applicants to submit information about the last 15 years of their work history. This included not only the general dates of their employment, but every job that they held during that time – even if it just lasted a few days.
As of June 22, 2024, that’s all changed. Now, SSDI applicants will only be asked to recount descriptions of their work activity for the last five years prior to filing – and they can disregard any job that they held for less than 30 days.
Not only does this make it far easier for disabled individuals to fill out their applications, but it also simplifies the whole approval process. SSDI claims examiners have fewer jobs to consider when they make the determination that someone is capable of returning to past work activity. That is likely to shorten processing times for claims somewhat significantly.
Even so, nobody should be under the impression that obtaining SSDI benefits is easy. Many valid claims are wrongfully denied and have to be pursued through reconsideration requests and hearings in front of Administrative Law Judges (ALJs). If you’re applying for disability benefits, it may be wise to seek legal guidance from the start.